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I'nfuirer.    'O'-viieire  is  Peace. for  thou  its  paths  hast  txode 
AXtTtifis.  "In  Poverty.  Retirement,  and.  vriih  God. 


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IMITATION  OF  CHtttSTr-^ 


IN   THREE   BOOKS. 


V^ 


BY  THOMAS  A  KEMPIS. 


RENDERED  INTO  ENGLISH  FROM  THE  ORIGINAL  LATIW, 
BY  JOHN  PAYNE. 


WITH 

AX   IIVTRODUCTORY   ESSAY, 

BY  THOMAS  CHALMERS, 

OF    GLASGOW. 


A    NEW    EDITION  : 

EDITED  BY  HOWARD  MALCOM, 

Pastor  of  the  Federal  Street  Baptist  Church,  Boston 


BOSTOIT: 

PUBLISHED  BY  LINCOLN  &  EDMANDS, 
No.  59,  Washington  Street. 

1832. 


DISTRICT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  to  wit: 

District  Clerk's  Office. 
Be  it  remembered,  that  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  March, 
A.  D.  1829,  in  the  fifty-third  year  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  Lincoln  and  Edmunds  of  the 
said  district,  have  deposited  in  this  ofiice  the  title  of  a  Book,  the 
right  whereof  they  claim  as  Proprietors,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  The  Imitation  of  Christ.  In  three  Books.  By  Thomas  i 
Kerapis.  Rendered  into  English  from  the  original  Latin,  by 
John  Payne.  With  an  Introductory  Essay,  by  Thomas  Chal- 
mers, of  Glasgow.  A  New  Edition  :  Edited  by  Howard  Malcom, 
Pastor  of  the  Federal  Street  Baptist  Church,  Boston." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  secur- 
ing the  copies  of  maps,  charts  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  pro- 
prietors of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned," 
and  also  to  an  act  entitled  "  An  act  supplementary  to  an  act,  en- 
titled, an  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  of  maps,  charts  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprfetors 
of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and  extend- 
ing the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving  and 
etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

JNO    W    nAVfs?     \  Clerk  of  the  District  of 
J.\0.  VV    UAVlb,  Massachusetts. 


CONTENTS. 


Preface  7 

Memoir  of  Thomas  a  Kempis  11 

Introductory  Essay  13 


BOOK  FIRST. 

PREPARATORY  INSTRUCTIONS   FOR  THE  SPIRITUAL 
LIFE. 

CHAP.  I.  Contempt  of  Worldly  Vanities  25 
CHAP.  II.   Humility  with  respect  to  Intellectual 

Attainments  27 

CHAP.  III.  Knowledge  of  the  Truth  29 
CHAP.  IV.  Prudence  with  respect  to  Opinions  and 

Actions  32 
CHAP.  V.   Of  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  other 

holy  Books  33 

CHAP.  VI.  Inordinate  Affections  34 

CHAP.  VII.  Of  Vain  Hope  and  Elation  of  Mind  35 

CHAP.  VIII.  Intercourse  with  the  World  37 

CHAP.  IX.  Of  Subjection  and  Obedience  37 

CHAP.  X.  Of  superfluous  Talking  39 
CHAP.  XI.  Of  Peace  of  Mind,  and  Zeal  for  Im- 

proTemeut  40 


IV  CONTENTS. 

CHAP.  XII.  The  Benefit  of  Adversity  43 
CHAP.  XIII.  Temptations  44 
CHAP.  XIV.  Rash  Judgment  48 
CHAP.  XV.  Works  of  Charity  49 
CHAP.  XVI.  Bearing  the  Infirmities  of  others  51 
CHAP.  XVII.  The  Exercises  of  ReHgion  53 
CHAP.  XVIII.  Solitude  and  Silence  56 
CHAP.  XIX.  Compunction  of  Heart  59 
CHAP.  XX.  The  Consideration  of  Human  Misery  62 
CHAP.  XXI.  The  Meditation  of  Death  .  65 
CHAP.  XXII.  The  Last  Judgment,  and  the  Punish- 
ment of  Sinners  69 
CHAP.  XXIII.  Zeal  in  the  Reformation  of  Life  72 


BOOK  SECOND. 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  THE  MORE  INTIMATE  ENJOYMENT 
OF  THE  SPIRITUAL  LIFE. 

CHAP.  I.  Internal  Conversation  77 

CHAP.  II.  Submission  to  Reproof  and  Shame  81 

CHAP.  III.  Peacefulness  83 

CHAP.  IV.  Simplicity  and  Purity  86 

CHAP.  V.  Consideration  of  Ourselves  87 

CHAP.  VI.  The  Joy  of  a  good  Conscience  88 

CHAP.  VII.  Jesus  to  be  loved  above  all  90 

CHAP.  VIII.  The  Friendship  of  Jesus  92 

CHAP.  IX.  Absence  of  Comfort  94 

CHAP.  X.  Thankfulness  for  the  Grace  of  God  97 
CHAP.  XI.  The  small  number  of  those  that  love 

the  Cross  99 

CHAP.  XII.  The  Necessity  of  Bearmg  the  Cross  101 


CONTENTS.  ▼ 

BOOK  THIRD. 

OF  DIVINE  ILLUMINATION. 

CHAP.  I.  The  Blessedness  of  Internal  Conversation 

with  Christ  107 

CHAP.  H.  Communion  with  God  108 

CHAP.  HI.  Instruction  how  to  walk  before  God  112 

CHAP.  IV.  The  Power  of  Divine  Love  115 

CHAP.  V.  The  Trial  of  True  Love  118 
CHAP.  VI.    Enjoyment   must   be   possessed   with 

Humility  121 

CHAP.  VII.  All  things  are  to  be  referred  to  God  125 

CHAP.  VIII.  The  Government  of  the  Heart  130 

CHAP.  IX.  Obedience  and  self-abasement  133 

CHAP.  X.  Resignation  to  the  Divine  Will  136 

CHAP.  XI.  True  Comfort  to  be  found  only  in  God  138 
CHAP.  XII.  The  Miseries  of  this  Life  to  be  borne 

with  Patience  140 

CHAP.  XIII.  Confession  of  Personal  Infirmities  144 

CHAP.  XIV.  The  Soul  seeking  Repose  in  God  147 

CHAP.  XV.  The  Diversity  of  Gifts  150 

CHAP.  XVI.  Four  Steps  that  lead  to  Peace  152 

CHAP.  XVII.  Inspection  into  the  Conduct  of  others  155 
CHAP.  XVIII.  In  what  true  Peace  and  Perfection 

consist  157 
CHAP.  XIX.  Self-love  the  ohief  Obstruction  to  the 

attainment  of  the  Supreme  Good  160 
CHAP.  XX.  The  cruel  Censures  of  Men  not  to  be 

regarded  163 
CHAP.  XXI.  Submission  to  God  in   the  hour  of 

Tribulation  164 
CHAP.  XXII.  The  Creator  to  be  found  in  abstrac- 
tion from  Creatures  168 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAP.  XXIII.  The  Renunciation  of  Animal  Desire  170 
CHAP.  XXIV.  The  Instability  of  the  Heart  172 

CHAP.  XXV.  The  Soul  that  loves  God  enjoys  him 

in  all  things  173 

CHAP.  XXVI.  Against  the  Fear  of  Man  177 

CHAP.  XXVII.  God  our  Refuge  in  Difficulties  178 
CHAP.    XXVIII.    Man   has   nothing   wherein   to 

glory  181 

CHAP.  XXIX.  Temporal  Honor  and  Comfort  183 
CHAP.  XXX.  A  Caution  against  vain  Philosophy  185 
CHAP.  XXXI.  Of  the   Professions   and    Censures 

of  Men  187 

CHAP.  XXXII.  Confidence  in  the  righteous  Judg- 
ment of  God  190 
CHAP.  XXXIII.  The  Hope  of  Eternal  Life              193 
CHAP.  XXXIV.  The  Desire  and  Promise  of  Eter- 
nal Life  19& 
CHAP.  XXXV.  A  Desolate  Spirit  committing  it- 
self to  God  201 
CHAP.  XXXVI.  We  must  account  ourselves  rather 

worthy  of  Affliction  than  Comfort  204 

CHAP.  XXXVII.  The  Grace  of  God  comports  not 

with  Love  of  the  World  207 

GHAP.  XXXVIII.  The  different  Operations  of  Na- 
ture and  Grace  209 
CHAP.  XXXIX.  The  Importance  of  Self-denial     217 
CHAP.  XL.  Against  extravagant  Dejection               220 
CHAP.  XLI.  Against  the  presumptuous  Inquiries  of 

Reason  222 

CHAP.  XLII.  Hope  and  Confidence  to  be  placed 
in  God  alone  226 


PREFACE 


The  Christian's  Pattern,  by  Thomas  a  Kem- 
pis,  has  for  more  than  three  hundred  years  been 
esteemed  one  of  the  best  practical  religious  books  in 
existence ;  and  has  gone  through  repeated  editions, 
not  only  in  the  original  Latin,  but  in  every  European 
language.  Because,  however,  the  author,  a  popish 
monk,  intermingled  his  thoughts  of  purgatory,  good 
works,  penance,  saints,  celibacy,  a  recluse  life,  &c.  in 
almost  every  chapter,  the  work  has  been  justly  de- 
nied a  general  circulation  among  protestants.  A 
pastor  could  scarcely  lend  or  recommend  it  to  his 
parishioners  ;  or  must  express  such  reservations,  as 
destroyed  the  confidence  and  comfort  of  the  reader. 

To  remedy  this  disadvantage.  Dean  Stanhope  pub- 
lished a  new  version,  avowing,  not  only  that  he 
translated  from  the  Latin  of  Castalio,  which  is 
greatly  altered  from  the  original ;  but  that  he  had 
frequently  departed  from  Castalio,  abridging,  altering 
and  even  changing,  both  language  and  thoughts  at 
pleasure.  Indeed,  he  declares  that  his  desire  was 
"  not  so  much  to  acquaint  Englishmen  with  what 
Kempis  thought,  as  to  convey  those  thoughts,  with 


Vm  PREFACE. 

some  degree  of  that  sprightliness  and  affectionate 
warmth,  which  the  original  composer  at  first  felt 
from  them  " !  With  Stanhope's  edition,  as  might 
have  been  expected,  the  public  were  never  satisfied, 
and  it  has  been  seldom  printed. 

With  the  same  desire  to  divest  this  invaluable 
treatise  of  its  improprieties,  Wesley  translated  and 
greatly  abridged  it.  But  he  not  only  omitted  much 
matter,  as  unexceptionable  and  valuable  as  that 
which  he  retained,  but  by  dividing  the  whole  into  sep- 
arate sentences  or  paragraphs,  like  proverbs,  utterly 
destroyed  the  connexion  and  beauty  of  the  work, 
and  of  course  greatly  impaired  the  interest  of  the 
reader.  NotAvithstanding  these  serious  objections, 
the  book  has  been  useful,  and  in  some  degree  popu- 
lar, particularly  among  Mr.  Wesley's  followers. 

The  best  translation  within  the  editor's  knowledge 
is  that  of  Payne,  of  which  many  editions  have  been 
printed  in  England  and  several  in  this  country. 
Though  not  servilely  literal,  he  is  generally  as  exact 
as  is  consistent  with  good  English ;  and  in  reading 
his  version,  we  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  knowmg  that 
we  havu  not  only  the  genuine  sentiments,  but  the 
very  diction  of  the  author.  Mr.  Payne  translated 
from  the  celebrated  edition  in  Latin  of  Mons.  Valart, 
at  Paris;  which  was  formed  on  a  laborious  collation 
of  manuscripts  and  old  printed  copies,  and  thus  puri- 
fied from  more  than  six  hundred  errors.  Mr.  P. 
however,  in  adhering  to  his  author  has  retained,  of 
course,  all  his  sectarian  peculiarities,  and  in  this  re- 
spect lies  under  insurmountable  disadvantages  as  to 
the  utility  of  his  book  in  this  country. 


The  present  edition  is  a  reprint  from  Payne,  col- 
lated "with  an  ancient  Latin  copy;*  and  is  no  further 
abridged,  than  by  omitting  the  exclusive  sentiments 
of  a  Catholic  recluse,  and  some  occasional  redun- 
dances of  style.  The  language,  wherever  it  seemed 
susceptible  of  improvement,  either  as  to  elegance  or 
brevity,  has  been  modernised;  and  where  he  seemed 
to  have  missed  the  precise  meaning,  or  not  to  have 
expressed  the  force  of  the  original,  the  passages  have 
been  entirely  re-written.  To  prevent  the  too  fre- 
quent occurrence  of  breaks  in  the  text,  chapters  on 
similar  points  have  in  some  instances  been  conjoined. 
The  whole  revision  has  been  performed  with  the 
most  scrupulous  care-and  diligence.  The  editor  has 
retained  no  sentiment,  which  it  was  thought  could 
offend  the  m6st  scrupulous  protestant  ear ;  and  on 
the  other  hand,  has  conscientiously  avoided  making 
the  author  speak  sentiments  not  contained  in  the  text. 
He  felt  himself  at  full  liberty  to  expunge,  but  not 
authorized  to  add  or  alter. 

That  this  book  does  not  treat  on  many  subjects 
of  great  importance  cannot  be  denied.  On  this 
point,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  just  and  forcible 
observations  of  Dr.  Chalmers,  in  the  Introductory 
Essay.  If  it  were  a  professed  body  of  divinity,  the 
omission  of  certain  topics  would  be  fatal.  But,  the 
design  is  to  exhibit  before  the  christian  a  "  Pattern" 
of  that  holiness  of  life  in  which  consists  "  the  Imita- 
tion of  Christ."      Doctrinal  discussions  would  but 

*  Contained  in  an  edition  of  his  whole  works,  publish- 
ed at  Antwerp  by  Henry  Soramalius,  A.  D.  IGOO. 


have  extended  its  size,  and  impaired  its  symmetry 
and  usefulness.  The  duties  whicii  the  author  con- 
stantly places  before  his  reader,  and  we  thmk  with 
the  happiest  elucidation  and  persuasiveness,  are,  self- 
denial,  humility,  weanedness  from  the  world,  prayer, 
love,  watchfulness,  resignation,  and  whatever  else 
is  involved  in  complete  conformity  to  Christ.  The 
great  principles  on  which  he  openly  founds  and  urges 
these  duties  are,  man's  original  innocence,  and  pres- 
ent depravity  ;  the  impotence,  hatefulness  and  mise- 
ry of  the  soul  in  its  fallen  state  ;  the  necessity  of 
regeneration  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  the  supreme 
obligation  of  believ^ers  to  him  who  hath  bought  them 
with  his  blood.  So  long  as  pure  religion  retains  a 
place  on  earth,  must  such  a  book  be  admired  and 
studied. 

Several  ancient  Latin  lives  of  Kempis  have  been 
perused  in  order  to  enrich  the  Memoir.  They  are 
extremely  unsatisfactory,  but  have  furnished  a  few 
additional  facts  of  interest,  which  have  been  incor- 
porated. 

This  edition  is  now  presented  to  the  Christian 
public,  in  the  hope  that  a  work  so  universally  es- 
teemed, may  in  its  amended  form,  obtain  such  a  cir 
culation  as  shall  give  it  great  and  lasting  utility. 

H.  M 

Boston,  April,  1829. 


MEMOIR. 


Thomas  X  Kempis  was  born  A.  D.  1380,  at 
Kempis,  or  Kempen,  a  small  walled  town  in  the 
dutchy  ofCleves,  and  diocese  of  Cologne.  His  fami- 
ly name  was  Hamerlein,  but  in  those  days  the  name 
of  the  parent  was  not  always  conferred  on  the  child. 
Persons  of  distinction  often  changed  their  own  names. 

At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  entered  a  monastery,  and 
continued  there  more  than  seventy  years,  eminent  for 
piety  and  eloquence.  He  was  of  middle  stature,  dark 
complexion,  and  lively  keen  eye.  He  lived  chiefly  in 
the  monastery  of  Mount  *  St.  Agnes  ;  where  his  like- 
ness, together  with  a  prospect  of  the  monastery,  was 
engraven  on  a  plate  of  copper,  that  lies  over  his  body 
The  said  monastery  is  now  called  Bergh-Clooster; 
or,  as  we  might  say  in  English,  Hill-Cloyster  :  many 
strangers  in  their  travels  visit  it. 

Kempis  was  certainly  one  of  the  best  and  greatest 
of  men  since  the  primitive  times.  His  book  of  the 
Imitation  of  Christ,  has  seen  near  forty  editions 
m  the  original  Latin,  and  above  sixty  translations 
have  been  made  from  it  into  modern  languages.  He 
died  August  8th,  1471,  in  the  ninety-second  year  of 
his  age.  He  was  surprisingly  exempt  from  the  usual 
infirmities  of  old  age,  and  retained  his  eye-sight 
perfect  to  the  last. 
*  Believed  to  be  on  one  of  the  Scilly  Islands  of  that  name 


12  MEMOIR. 

In  the  engraving  on  copper  above  mentioned,  and 
lying  over  his  grave,  is  represented  a  person  respect- 
fully presenting  to  him  a  label,  on  Vi^hich  is  written 
a  verse  to  this  effect:— 'O  /  where  is  PEACE  7  for 
Thou  its  Paths  hast  trod.^  To  which  Kempis  re- 
turns another  label,  inscribed  as  follows: — 'In  POV- 
ERTY, RETIREMENT,  and  with  GOD.' 

He  was  a  regular  canon  of  the  order  of  St.  Augus- 
tme,  and  subprior  of  Mount  St.  Agnes'  Monastery. 
His  industry  was  as  conspicuous  as  were  his  deeds 
of  charity,  and  exactness  in  observing  the  discipline 
of  his  order.  He  not  only  transcribed  books  of  de- 
votion and  science,  which  constituted  a  large  part  of 
the  labour  of  monks  before  the  invention  of  print- 
ing, but  wrote  several  volumes,  highly  esteemed  by 
papists.  His  Avorks,  extant,  consist  of  Thirty  Ser- 
mons to  Novitiates — Nine  Sermons  to  Brethren  of 
the  Order — Eight  Epistles — The  Imitation  of  Christ 
— Twenty-six  Theological  Treatises,  and  Lives  of 
twelve  Eminent  Saints. — The  best  edition  of  his 
works  is  said  to  be  that  of  Cologne,  in  3  vols,  folio, 
1680.  He  composed  his  Treatise  of  the  iMiTATiOJtf 
of  Christ,  in  the  sixty-first  year  of  his  age,  as 
appears  from  a  note  of  his  own  writing  in  the 
library  of  his  convent. 

No  other  particulars  of  interest  sufficiently  authen- 
tic can  now  be  procured. 


INTRODUCTORY  ESSAY. 


We  have  sometimes  heard  the  strenuous  argu- 
mentation of  the  author  of  the  following  Treatise  in 
hehalf  of  holiness  excepted  against,  on  the  ground 
that  it  did  not  recognise  sufficiently  the  doctrine  of 
justification  by  faith.  There  is,  in  many  instances, 
an  over-sensitive  alarm  on  this  topic,  which  makes 
the  writer  fearful  of  recommending  virtue,  and  the 
private  disciple  as  fearful  of  embarking  on  the  career 
of  it — a  sort  of  jealousy  lest  the  honors  and  import- 
ance of  Christ's  righteousness  should  be  invaded, 
by  any  importance  being  given  to  the  personal  right- 
eousness of  the  believer:  as  if  the  one  could  not  be 
maintained  as  the  alone  valid  plea  on  which  the  sin- 
ner could  lay  claim  to  an  inheritance  in  heaven, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  other  be  urged  as  liis  in- 
dispensable preparation  ihr  its  exercises  and  its  joys. 

It  is  the  partiality  with  which  the  mind  fastens 
upon  one  article  of  truth,  and  will  scarcely  admit 
the  others  to  so  much  as  a  hearing — it  is  the  intent- 
ness  of  its  almost  exclusive  regards  on  some  separ- 
ate portion  of  the  divine  testimony,  and  its  shrinking 
avoidance  of  all  the  distinct  and  additional  portions 
—it  is,  in  particular,  its  fondness  for  the  orthodoxy 
of  what  relates  to  a  sinner's  acceptance,  carried  to 
such  a  degree  of  favoritism,  as  to  withdraw  its  at- 
tention altogether  from  what  relates  to  a  sinner's 
sanctification, — it  is  this  which,  on  the  pretence  of 
magnifying  a  most  essential  doctrine,  has,  in  fact, 
diffused  a  mist  over  the  whole  field  of  revelation  ; 
and  which,  like  a  mist  in  nature,  not  only  shrouds 
the  general  landscape  from  all  observation,  but  also 


14 

bedims,  wliile  it  adds  to  the  apparent  size  of  the  few 
objects  that  continue  visible.  It  is  the  same  light 
which  reveals  the  whole,  that  will  render  these  last 
more  brightly  discernible  than  before  ;  and  whether 
they  be  the  prominences  of  spiritual  truth,  or  of 
visible  materialism,  they  are  sure  to  be  seen  most 
distinctly  in  that  element  of  purity  and  clearness, 
through  the  medium  of  which  the  spectator  is  able 
to  recognise  even  the  smaller  features  and  the  faint- 
er lineaments  that  lie  on  the  ground  of  contempla- 
tion. 

It  is  true,  that  the  same  darkening  process  which 
buries  what  is  remote  in  utter  concealment,  will,  at 
least,  sully  and  somewhat  distort  the  nearer  perspec- 
tive that  is  before  us.  But  h-ow  much  more  certain 
is  it,  that  if  such  be  the  grossness  of  the  atmosphere 
as  to  make  impalpable  the  trees,  and  the  houses,  and 
the  hillocks,  of  our  immediate  vicinity — then  will 
the  distant  spires,  and  mountains,  and  villages,  lie 
buried  in  still  deeper  and  more  hopeless  obscurity. 
And  so  it  is,  with  revealed  truth,  the  light  of  which 
is  spread  over  a  wide  and  capacious  arena,  reaching 
afar  from  the  character  of  man  upon  earth  to  the 
counsels  of  God  in  heaven.  When  Christ  told  Ni- 
codemus  what  change  must  take  place  upon  the 
earthly  subject,  ere  it  could  be  prepared  for  the  glo- 
ries and  felicities  of  the  upper  sanctuary,  he  was  re- 
sisted in  this  announcement  by  the  incredulity  of 
his  auditor.  Upon  this  he  came  forth  with  the 
remonstrance  :  "If  I  have  told  you  earthly  thingSj 
and  ye  believe  not,  how  shall  ye  believe,  if  I  tell  you 
of  heavenly  things  ?  "  And  then  he  proceeds  to  tell 
of  heavenly  things, — of  the  transactions  that  had  ta- 
ken place  in  the  celestial  judicatory  above,  and  which 
behooved  to  take  place  ere  the  sinner  could  obtain  a 
rightful  entrance  into  the  territory  of  the  blessed 
and  the  unfallen  ;  of  the  love  that  God  bare  to  the 
world  ;  of  the  mission  thereto  on  which  he  delegated 
his  only  and  well-beloved  Son  j  of  the  design  of  this 


15 

embassy,  and  the  way  in  which  it  subserved  the 
great  object  of  recovering  sinners  from  their  state 
of  condemnation.  These  are  proceedings  which 
may  properly  be  referred  to  the  seat  of  the  divine 
government,  and  to  the  principles  which  operate  and 
have  ascendency  there.  The  doctrine  of  regenera- 
tion is  fulfilled  or  verified  upon  the  human  spirit 
that  is  intimately  and  consciously  present  with  us. 
The  doctrine  of  the  atonement,  or  the  manner  in 
which  the  reconciliation  of  the  guilty  is  brought  in- 
to adjustment  with  the  holiness  of  God,  and  with 
what  he  requires  for  maintaining  the  character  and 
the  dignity  of  his  jurisprudence,  is  fulfilled  or  verified 
upon  the  divine  Spirit,  whose  thoughts  and  whose 
ways  are  inscrutable  to  man — he  not  having  ascend- 
ed up  into  heaven.  And  the  expostulation  amounts 
to  this  : — If  a  man  believe  not  in  the  doctrine  of 
regeneration,  how  can  he  believe  in  the  doctrine 
of  the  atonement  ?  If  he  consent  not  to  the  one, 
he  gives  no  real  credit  to  the  other.  He  may  fancy 
it,  or  feign  it  out  to  his  imagination,  but  he  has  no 
faith  in  it. 

The  Bible  makes  known  to  us  both  man's  deprav- 
ity, and  God's  displeasure  against  him  ;  and  if  with 
the  eye  of  our  mind  we  see  not  the  one  truth,  which 
lies  immediately  at  hand,  neither  with  the  eye 
of  our  mind  can  we  see  the  other  truth,  which 
lies  in  fathomless  obscurity,  away  from  us,  among 
the  recesses  of  that  mysterious  Spirit,  who  is  eter- 
nal and  unsearchable.  But  the  Bible  also  makes 
known  to  us,  both  the  renewing  process  by  which 
man's  depravity  is  done  away,  and  the  reconciling 
process,  by  which  God's  displeasure  against  him  is 
averted.  If  we  believe  not  the  former,  neither  do 
we  believe  the  latter.  If  to  our  intellectual  view, 
there  be  a  darkness  over  the  terrestrial  operation, 
then  is  there  an  equal,  or  a  more  aggravated  dark- 
ness, over  that  movement  which  took  place  in 
heaven,  when  the  incense  of  a  sweet-smelling  savor 


16 

ascended  to  the  throne,  and  the  wrath  of  the  Law- 
giver, who  sitteth  thereon,  was  turned  away.  And 
what  is  true  of  each  of  these  doctrines,  regarded 
abstractly,  or  in  the  general,  is  also  true  of  their 
personal  application.  If  we  find  not  that  a  renew- 
ing process  is  taking  effect  upon  us,  neither  ought 
we  to  figure  that  we  have  any  part  in  the  reconcil- 
ing process.  It  is  possible  to  conceive  the  latter, 
even  while  the  old  nature  still  domineers  over  the 
whole  man,  and  its  desires  are  indulged  without 
remorse,  or,  at  least,  without  any  effective  resistance. 
But  this  conception  is  not  the  faith  of  the  mind.  It 
is  rather  what  the  older  writers  would  call  a  figment 
of  the  mind.  The  Apostle  adverts  to  unfeigned  faith. 
But  surely,  if  a  man  shall  overlook  the  near,  and  dwell 
in  thought,  on  the  unseen  distance  that  is  beyond  it ; 
if,  unmindful  of  any  transition  in  his  own  breast 
from  sin  to  sacredness,  he  nevertheless  shall  persist 
in  the  confidence  of  a  transition  from  anger  to  com- 
placency in  the  mind  of  the  Divinity  towards  him  ; 
if,  without  looking  for  a  present  holiness  on  earth, 
he  pictures  for  himself  a  future  beatitude  in  heaven 
— he  resembles  the  man  who,  across  that  haze  of 
nature's  atmosphere,  which  wraps  all  ttimgs  in  ob- 
scurity, thinks  to  descry  the  realities  of  the  ulterior 
space,  when  he  has  only  peopled  it  with  gratuitous 
imagery  of  his  own.  The  faith  of  such  a  one  is 
feigned.  He  believes  not  the  earthly  things  which 
are  enunciated  in  Scripture  ;  and,  therefore,  though 
he  should  take  up  with  the  heavenly  things  that  are 
enunciated  there,  they  are  taken  up  by  the  wrong 
faculty.  To  him  they  are  not  the  substantial  ob- 
jects of  perception,  but  the  illusions  of  fancy. 

The  traveller  who  publishes  of  distant  countries, 
that  we  have  never  seen,  may  also  have  included 
our  own  familiar  neighbourhood  in  his  tour,  and 
given  a  place  in  his  description  to  its  customs,  and 
its  people,  and  its  scenery.  But  if  his  narrative  of 
the  vicinity  that  is  known  were  full  of  misrepresen- 


17 

tations  and  errors,  we  could  have  no  belief  in  his 
account  of  the  foreign  domains  over  which  he  had 
expatiated.  When  we  believe  not  what  he  tells  us 
of  our  native  shire,  how  can  we  believe  when  he 
tells  us  of  sliires  or  provinces  abroad  ?  And  by  this 
we  may  try  the  soundness  of  our  faith  in  the  divine 
testimony.  It  is  a  testimony  which  embraces  the 
things  of  earth  and  the  things  of  heaven  ;  which 
teaches  us  the  nature  of  man  as  originally  corrupt, 
and  requiring  a  power  from  above,  that  may  trans- 
form it,  as  well  as  on  the  nature  of  God,  as  essential- 
ly averse  to  sin,  and  requiring  an  atonement  that  may 
reconcile  and  pacify  it.  If  we  believe  not  what  is 
said  of  the  nature  of  man,  and  of  the  doctrine  of  re- 
generation that  is  connected  therewith,  then  we  be- 
lieve not  Avhat  is  said  of  the  nature  of  God,  and  of 
the  doctrine  of  redemption  that  is  connected  there- 
with. We  may  choose  to  overlook  the  former  rev- 
elation, and  stretch  our  attention  onward  to  the  lat- 
ter, as  that  with  which  our  fancy  is  most  regaled, 
or  our  fears  are  most  effectually  quieted  into  pleas- 
ing oblivion.  In  this  way,  we  may  seize  on  the  top- 
ic of  imputed  righteousness,  by  an  effort  of  desire, 
or  an  effort  of  imagination  ;  but  if  the  man  who  does 
so  have  an  unseeing  eye-  towards  the  topic  of  his 
own  personal  sanctification,  he  has  just  as  Httle  of 
faith  towards  the  former  article  as  towards  the  lat- 
ter, whatever  preference  of  liking  or  fancy  he  may 
entertain  regarding  it.  It  may  play  around  his 
mind  as  one  of  its  most  agreeable  day-dreams,  but 
It  has  not  laid  hold  of  his  conviction.  The  light 
that  maketh  the  doctrine  which  affirms  the  change 
of  God's  mind  towards  the  sinner  believingly  visible, 
would  also  make  the  doctrine  which  affirms  the 
change  of  the  sinner's  mind  towards  God  believingly 
visible.  If  the  one  be  veiled  from  the  eye  of  faith, 
the  other  is  at  least  equally  so.  It  may  be  imaged 
by  the  mind,  but  it  is  not  perceived.  It  may  be 
conceived;  but  it  is  not  credited, 
2 


IS 

There  is  a  well  known  publication,  called  "  The 
Traveller's  Guide,"  which  you  may  take  as  your 
companion  to  some  distant  land,  but  the  accuracy 
of  which  you  try  upon  the  earlier  stages  of  your 
journey.  If  wholly  incorrect  in  the  description  which 
it  gives  of  the  first  scenes  through  which  you  pass, 
you  withdraw  all  your  confidence  from  its  repre- 
sentation of  the  future  scenes  ;  and  it  may  even  be 
so  wide  of  the  truth,  in  respect  of  the  things  that 
are  present  and  visible,  as  should  lead  you  to  infer 
that  you  are  altogether  ofi^  the  road  that  conducts 
to  the  place  after  which  you  are  aiming.  The  Bi- 
ble is  a  trav^eller's  guide — and  it  portrays  the  char- 
acters of  humility,  and  self-denial,  and  virtuous  dis- 
cipline, and  aspiring  godliness,  which  maik  the  out- 
set of  the  pilgrimage, — and  it  also  jK:)rtrays  the  char- 
acters of  brightness,  and  bliss,  and  glory,  which 
mark  its  termination.  If  you  do  not  believe  that  it 
delineates  tiuly  the  path  of  transition  in  time,  neither 
do  you  believe,  however  much  you  may  desiderate 
and  dwell  uj)on  the  prospect,  that  it  sketches  truly 
the  place  of  j  »yful  habitation  in  eternity.  Or,  at 
least,  you  may  well  conclude,  if  you  are  not  now  on 
the  path  of  holiness,  that  you  are  not  on  the  path 
to  heaven.  And  if  you  believe  not  the  Scrij^ture, 
when  it  announces  a  new  s'pirit  as  your  indispen- 
sable preparation  here,  there  may  be  a  dazzling  and 
deceitful  imagination,  but  there  is  no  real  belief  of 
what  it  announces,  or  of  what  it  promises,  about 
paradise  hereafter. 

It  is  thus  that  we  would  try  the  faith  of  Antino- 
mians.  Fancy  is  not  faith.  A  wilful  and  determin- 
ed adherence  of  the  mind  to  some  beatific  vision,  in 
which  it  loves  to  indulge,  is  not  a  believing  assent 
of  the  mind  to  what  a  professed  Teacher  from 
heaven  has  revealed  to  us  of  the  coming  immortality. 
How  can  we  believe,  upon  his  authority,  that  we 
are  to  enter  this  region  of  purity  and  peace,  if  we 
believe  not,  on  the  same  authority,  that  the  road 


19 

which  leads  to  it,  is  a  road  of  mortification,  and  of 
new  obedience,  and  of  strenuous  conflict  with  the 
desires  and  urgencies  of  nature?  If  the  eye  of  faith, 
or  of  the  understanding,  be  opened  on  some  field  of 
truth  that  is  laid  before  it,  it  will  not  overlook  the 
propinquities  of  this  contemplation,  while  it  only 
admits  the  objects  which  lie  on  the  remoter  part  of 
the  territory.  It  is  evidence  which  opens  this  eye  ; 
and  that  evidence  which  has  failed  to  oj^en  it  to 
what  is  near,  will  equally  fail  to  open  it  to  what  is 
distant.  But  though  the  eye  of  the  understanding 
be  shut,  the  eye  of  the  imagination  may  be  open. 
This  requires  no  evidence,  and  the  man  who  is 
without  faith  in  the  realities  which  lie  on  the  other 
side  of  death,  may  nevertheless  be  all  awake  in  his 
fancy  to  those  images  of  bliss  with  which  he  has 
embellished  it,  and  may  even  possess  his  own  heart 
with  the  pleasing  antici[)ation  of  it  as  his  destined 
inheritance.  It  is  not  upon  his  fancy,  however,  but 
upon  his  faith,  that  the  fulfilment  of  this  anticipa- 
tion will  turn, — a  faith  which,  had  it  been  real, 
would  have  had  respect  unto  the  prescribed  road, 
as  well  as  unto  the  revealed  inheritance, — a  faith 
which  would .  have  found  him  in  holiness  here,  as 
well  as  in  heaven  hereafter.  That  semblance  of  it 
which  the  Antinomian  has  is  a  mere  vagary,  that 
may  amuse  or  may  harden  him  in  the  midst  of  his 
present  worldliness,  but  which  will  be  dissipated  in- 
to nought  at  the  judgment-seat,  when,  for  the 
treacherous  phantom  which  deceived  him  in  time, 
a  tremendous  reality  will  be  awarded  to  him  for 
eternity. 

We  like  not  that  writer  to  be  violently  alleged 
against,  who  expounds,  and  expounds  truly,  the 
amount  of  Christian  holiness,  because  he  says  not 
enough,  it  is  thought,  of  the  warrants  and  securities 
that  are  provided  in  the  Gospel  for  Christian  hope. 
We  think,  that  to  shed  a  luminousness  over  one  por- 
tion of  the  divine  testimony,  is  to  reflect,  at  least,  if 


20 

not  immediately  to  shed,  a  light  on  all  the  other  por- 
tions of  it.  The  doctrine  of  our  acceptance,  hy  faith 
in  the  merits  and  propitiation  of  Christ,  is  worthy 
of  many  a  treatise,  and  many  are  the  precious  trea- 
tises upon  it  which  have  been  offered  to  the  world. 
But  the  doctrine  of  regeneration,  by  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  equally  demands  the  homage  of  a  separate 
lucubration — which  may  proceed  on  the  truth  of 
the  former,  and,  by  the  incidental  recognition  of  it, 
when  it  comes  naturally  in  the  Avay  of  the  author's 
attention,  marks  the  soundness  and  the  settlement 
of  his  mind  thereupon,  more  decisively  than  by  the 
dogmatic,  and  ostentatious,  and  often  misplaced  as- 
severations of  an  ultra  orthodoxy.  And  the  clear- 
er revelation  to  the  eye  of  faith  of  one  article,  will 
never  darken  or  diminish,  but  will,  in  fact,  throw 
back  the  light  of  an  augmented  evidence  on  every 
other  article.  Like  any  object  that  is  made  up  of 
parts,  which  we  have  frequently  looked  to  in  their 
connexion,  and  as  making  up  a  whole — the  more 
distinctly  one  part  of  it  is  made  manifest,  the  more 
forcibly  will  all  the  other  parts  of  it  be  suggested  to 
the  mind.  And  thus  it  is,  that  when  pressing  home 
the  necessity  of  one's  own  holiness,  as  his  indispensa- 
ble preparation  for  heaven,  we  do  not  dissever  his 
mind  from  the  atonement  of  Christ,  but  in  reality 
do  we  fasten  it  more  closely  than  ever  on  the  necessi- 
ty of  another's  righteousness,  as  his  indispensable 
plea  for  heaven. 

Such  we  apprehend  to  be  the  genuine  influence  of 
a  Treatise  that  is  now  submitted  anew  to  the  Chris- 
tian public.  It  certainly  does  not  abound  in  formal 
and  direct  avowals  of  the  righteousness  which  is  by 
faith,  and  on  this  account  we  have  heard  it  excepted 
against.  But  we  know  of  no  reading  that  is  more 
powerfully  calculated  to  shut  us  up  unto  the  faitli — 
none  more  fitted  to  deepen  and  to  strengthen  the  ba- 
sis of  a  sinner's  humility,  and  so  reconcile  him  to  the 
doctrine  of  salvation  in  all  its  parts,  by  grace  alone — 


21 

none  that,  by  exhibiting  the  height  and  perfection  of 
Christian  attainments,  can  better  serve  the  end  of 
prostrating  the  inquirer  into  the  veriest  depths  of  self- 
abasement,  when,  on  the  humbling  comparison  of 
what  he  is,  with  what  he  ought  to  be,  he  is  touched 
and  penetrated  by  a  sense  of  his  manifold  deficiencies. 
It  is  on  this  account  that  the  author  of  such  a  work 
may,  instrumentally  speaking,  do  the  office  of  a  school- 
master to  bring  us  unto  Christ:  nor  do  we  know  at 
what  other  time  it  is,  than  when  eyeing  from  afar 
the  lofty  track  of  spiritual  and  seraphic  piety  which 
is  here  delineated,  that  we  more  feel  our  need  of  the 
great  High  Priest,  or  that  his  peace-making  blood 
and  his  perfect  righteousness  are  more  prized  by  us. 
But  it  is  not  enough  that  we  idly  gaze  on  the  hea- 
venly course.  We  must  personally  enter  it ;  and  it 
is  most  utterly  and  experimentally  untrue,  that,  in 
the  prosecution  of  this  walk,  we  meet  with  anything 
to  darken  the  principles  on  which  are  made  to  hinge 
a  sinner's  justification  in  the  sight  of  God.  He  who 
looks  most  frequently  to  Christ  for  the  purpose  of 
imitation,  will  also  gather  most  from  him  on  which 
to  prop  his  confidence,  and  that  too  on  the  right  and 
evangelical  basis.  There  is  a  sure  link  of  concate- 
nation in  the  processes  of  divine  grace,  by  which  a 
growing  spiritual  discernment  is  made  to  emerge 
out  of  a  growing  conformity  to  the  will  and  the 
image  of  the  Saviour.  These  two  elements  act  and 
react  the  one  upon  the  other.  "He  that  keepeth 
my  commandments,  to  him  will  I  manifest  myself" 
"  He  whose  eve  is  single  shall  have  his  whole  body 
full  of  light."  *  "  The  Holy  Ghost,"  who  acts  as  a 
revealer,  "  is  given  to  those  who  obey  him."  "  To 
him  who  hath,  more  shall  be  given."     All  proving 

*  By  singleness  of  eye  here,  is  meant  not  a  single  intentness 
of  the  mind  upon  one  truth,  but,  as  is  evident  from  the  con- 
text, that  singleness  of  aim  after  an  interest  in  heaven, 
which  is  not  perverted  or  seduced  from  its  object  by  the  love 
of  a  present  evil  world. 


33 

that  there  is  a  procedure  in  the  administration  of  di- 
vine grace,  by  which  he  who  giveth  himself  up  unto 
all  righteousness  is  guided  unto  all  truth. 

And,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  while  the  doctrine  of 
justification  is  not  argued,  but  rather  enhanced  and 
recommended  by  the  perusal  of  such  a  work,  its 
own  distinct  object  will  be  still  more  directly  subserv- 
ed, of  leading  some  to  a  more  strict  and  separate  de- 
votedness  of  life,  than  is  often  to  be  met  with  in  this 
professing  age.  The  severities  of  Christian  practice, 
which  are  here  urged  upon  the  reader,  are  in  no 
way  allied  with  the  penances  and  the  self-inflictions 
of  a  monastic  ritual,  but  are  the  essentials  of  spiritual 
discipline  in  all  ages,  and  must  be  undergone  by 
every  man  Avho  is  transfoimed  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
from  one  of  the  children  of  this  world  to  one  of  the 
children  of  light.  The  utter  renunciation  of  self — 
the  surrender  of  all  vanity — the  patient  endurance 
of  evils  and  wrongs — the  crucifixion  of  natural  and 
worldly  desires — the  absorption  of  all  our  interests 
and  passions  in  the  enjoyment  of  God — and  the  sub- 
ordination of  all  we  do,  and  of  all  we  feel,  to  his 
glory, — these  form  the  leading  virtues  of  our  pilgrim- 
age, and  in  the  very  proportion  of  their  rarity,  and 
their  painfulness,  are  they  the  more  effectual  tests  of 
our  regeneration.  And  one  of  the  main  uses  of  this 
book  is,  that  while  it  enforces  these  spiritual  graces 
in  all  their  extent,  it  lays  open  the  spiritual  enjoy- 
ment that  springs  from  the  cultivation  of  them — re- 
vealing the  hidden  charm  which  lies  in  godliness,  and 
demonstrating  the  sure  though  secret  alliance  which 
obtains  between  the  peace  of  heaven  in  the  soul,  and 
patience  under  all  the  adversities  of  the  path  w^hich 
leads  to  it.  It  exposes  alike  the  sufferings  and  the 
delights  which  attach  to  a  fife  of  sacredness:  and  its 
wholesome  tendency  is  to  reconcile  the  aspirant  after 
eternal  life,  to  the'  whole  burden  of  that  cross  on 
earth  which  he  must  learn  to  bear  with  submission 
and  cheerfulness,  until  he  exchanges  it  in  heaven  for 


23 

a  crown  of  glory.  Such  a  Avork  may  be  of  service 
in  these  days  of  soft  and  silken  jirofessorship, — to 
arouse  those  who  are  at  ease  in  Zion  ;  to  remind 
them  of  the  terms  of  the  Cliristian  discipleship,  as 
invoh'ing  a  life  of  conflict  and  watchfulness,  and 
much  labour  ;  to  make  them  jealous  of  themselves, 
and  jealous  of  that  evil  nature,  the  poAver  of  which 
must  be  resisted  ;  but  from  the  besetting  presence  of 
which  we  shall  not  be  conclusively  delivered,  until 
death  shall  rid  us  of  a  frame-Avork,  the  moral  virus 
of  which  may  be  kept  in  check  while  we  live,  but 
cannot  be  eradicated  by  any  process  short  of  disso- 
lution. 

T.  C. 

Glasgow,  April,  1822 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


BOOK  FIRST. 

PREPARATORY  INSTRUCTIONS   FOR  THE   SPIRITUAL 
LIFE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Contempt  of  Worldly  Vanities. 

"  He  that  followeth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness, 
but  shall  have  the  light  of  life."  These  are  the 
words  of  Christ;  by  which  we  are  taught,  that  it  is 
only  by  a  conformity  to  his  life  and  spirit,  that  we 
can  be  truly  enlightened,  and  delivered  from  all 
blindness  of  heart  :  let  it,  therefore,  be  the  principal 
employment  of  our  minds,  to  meditate  on  the  life 
of  Christ. 

The  doctrine  of  Christ,  infinitely  transcends  the 
doctrine  of  the  holiest  men ;  and  he  that  had  the 
Spirit  of  Christ,  would  find  in  it  "  hidden  manna, 
the  bread  that  came  down  from  heaven:"  but  not 
having  his  Spirit,  many,  though  they  frequently  hear 
his  doctrine,  yet  feel  no  pleasure  in  it,  no  ardent  de- 
sire after  it ;  for  he  only  can  cordially  receive,  and 
3 


So  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

truly  delight  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  who  continu- 
ally endeavours  to  acquire  the  spirit,  and  imitate  the 
life  of  Christ. 

Of  what  benefit  are  thy  most  subtle  disquisitions 
into  the  mystery  of  the  blessed  Trinity,  if  thou  ^rt 
destitute  of  humility,  and,  therefore,  a  profaner  of 
the  Trinity.''  It  is  not  profound  speculations,  but  a 
holy  Ufe  that  proves  a  man  righteous  and  good. 
I  had  rather  feel  compunction,  than  be  able  to  give 
the  most  accurate  definition  of  it.  If  thy  memory 
could  retain  the  whole  Bible,  and  the  precepts  of  all 
the  philosophers,  what  would  it  profit  thee,  without 
charity  and  the  grace  of  God  ?  "  Vanity  of  vam'- 
ties !  and  all  is  vanity,"  except  only  the  love  of  God, 
and  an  entire  devotedness  to  his  service. 

It  is  the  Piighest  wisdom,  by  the  contempt  of  the 
world,  to  press  forward  towards  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  It  is  therefore  vanity  to  labor  for  perish- 
ing riches,  and  place  our  confidence  in  their  posses- 
sion :  it  is  vanity  to  hunt  after  honors,  and  raise 
ourselves  to  an  exalted  station  :  it  is  vanity  to  fulfil 
the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and  indulge  desires  that  begin 
and.  end  in  torment :  it  is  vanity  to  wish  that  life 
may  be  long,  and  to  have  no  concern  whether  it  be 
good :  it  is  vanity  to  mind  only  the  present  world, 
and  not  to  look  forward  to  that  which  is  to  come  ; 
to  suffer  our  affections  to  hover  over  a  state  in  which 
all  things  pass  away  with  the  swiftness  of  thought, 
and  not  raise  them  to  that  where  true  joy  abideth 
for  ever. 

Frequently  call  to  mind  the  observation  of  Solo- 
mon, that  "  the  eye  is  not  satisfied  with  seeing,  nor 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  27 

the  ear  filled  witli  hearing  ; "  and  let  it  be  thy  con- 
tinual endeavour,  to  withdraw  thy  heart  from  the 
love  of  "  the  things  that  are  seen,"  and  to  turn  it 
wholly  to  "the  things  that  are  not  seen:"  for  he 
who  lives  in  subjection  to  the  sensual  desires  of  ani- 
mal nature,  defiles  his  spirit,  and  loses  the  grace  of 
God. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Humility  with  respect  to  Intellectual  Attainments, 

Every  man  naturally  desires  to  increase  in  knowl- 
edge ;  but  Avliat  doth  knowledge  profit,  without  the 
fear  of  the  Lord  ?  Better  is  the  humble  clown,  that 
serveth  God,  than  the  proud  philosopher,  who,  desti- 
tute of  the  knowledge  of  himself,  can  describe  the 
course  of  the  planets.  He  that  truly  knows  him- 
self, becomes  vile  in  his  own  eyes,  and  has  no  de- 
light in  the  praise  of  man.  If  I  knew  all  that  the 
world  contains,  and  had  not  charity,  what  would  it 
avail  me  in  the  sight  of  God,  who  will  judge  me  ac- 
cording to  my  deeds  .'* 

Rest  from  an  inordinate  desire  of  knowledge, 
for  it  is  subject  to  much  perplexity  and  delusion. 
Learned  men  are  fond  of  the  notice  of  the  world, 
and  desire  to  be  accounted  wise  :  but  there  are  ma- 
ny things,  the  knowledge  of  which  has  no  tendency 
to  promote  the  recovery  of  our  first  divine  life; 
and  it  is  surely  a  proof  of  folly,  to  devote  ourselves 
wholly  to  that  with  which  our  supreme  good  has 


88  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

no  connexion.  The  soul  is  not  to  be  satisfied  with 
the  multitude  of  words  ;  but  a  holy  life  is  a  continu- 
al feast,  and  a  pure  conscience  the  foundation  of  a 
firm  and  immovable  confidence  in  God.  The  more 
thou  knowest,  and  the  better  thou  understandest, 
the  more  severe  will  be  thy  condemnation,  unless 
thy  Ufe  be  proportionably  more  holy.  Be  not, 
therefore,  exalted,  for  any  uncommon  skill  in  any 
art  or  science  ;  but  let  the  superior  knowledge  that 
is  given  thee,  make  thee  more  fearful,  and  more 
watchful  over  thyself  If  thou  supposest  that  thou 
knowesfrmany  things,  and  hast  perfect  understand- 
ing of  them,  consider,  how  many  more  things  there 
are,  which  thou  knowest  not  at  all  ;  and,  instead  of 
being  exalted  with  a  high  opinion  of  thy  great  knowl- 
edge, be  rather  abased  by  an  humble  sense  of  thy 
much  greater  ignorance.  And  Avhy  dost  thou  prefer 
thyself  to  another,  since  thou  mayst  find  many  who 
are  more  learned  than  thou  art,  and  better  instruct- 
ed in  the  will  of  God  .'' 

The  highest  and  most  profitable  learning  is  the 
knowledge  and  contempt  of  ourselves  ;  and  to  have 
no  opinion  of  our  own  merit,  and  always  to  think 
well  and  highly  of  others,  is  an  evidence  of  great 
wisdom  and  perfection.  Therefore,  though  thou 
seest  another  openly  offend,  or  even  commit  some 
enormous  sin,  yet  thou  must  not  from  thence  take 
occasion  to  value  thyself  for  thy  superior  goodness  ; 
for  thou  canst  not  tell  how  long  thou  wilt  be  able  to 
persevere  in  the  narrow  path  of  virtue.  All  men 
are  frail,  but  thou  shouldst  reckon  none  so  frail  as 
thyself. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  29 


CHAPTER  III. 


Knowledge  of  the  Ti-uth. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  eternal  Truth  teacheth, 
not  by  obscure  figures  and  transient  sounds,  but  by 
direct  and  full  communication  !  The  perceptions 
of  our  senses  are  narrow  and  dull,  and  our  reason- 
ing on  those  perceptions  frequently  misleads  us.  To 
what  purpose  are  our  keenest  disputations  on  hidden 
and  obscure  subjects,  for  our  ignorance  of  which  we 
shall  not  be  brought  into  judgment  at  the  great  day 
of  universal  retribution  ?  How  extravagant  the  fol- 
ly, to  neglect  the  study  of  the  "one  thing  needful;" 
and  wholly  devote  our  time  and  faculties  to  that 
which  is  not  only  vainly  curious,  but  sinful  and  dan- 
gerous as  the  state  of  "  those  that  have  eyes  and  see 
not!" 

What  have  redeemed  souls  to  do  with  the  dis- 
tinctions and  subtleties  of  logical  divinity  ?  He 
whom  the  eternal  Word  condescendeth  to  teach, 
is  disengaged  at  once  from  the  labyrinth  of  human 
opinions.  For  "  of  one  word  are  all  things  ;"  and 
all  things  without  voice  or  language  speak  Him 
alone  :  He  is  that  divine  principle  which  speaketh 
in  our  hearts ;  and,  without  which,  there  can  be 
neither  just  apprehension,  nor  rectitude  of  judgment. 
Now,  He  to  whom  all  things  are  but  this  one  ;  who 
comprehendeth  all  things  in  his  will,  and  beholdeth 
all  things  in  his  light;  hath  "  his  heart  fixed,"  and 
abideth  in  the  peace  of  God.     O  God,  who  art  the 


so  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

truth,  make  me  one  with  thee  in  everlasting  love  ! 
I  am  often  weary  of  reading,  and  weary  of  hearing  : 
in  thee  alone  is  the  sum  of  my  desire  !  Let  all 
teachers  be  silent,  let  the  whole  creation  be  dumb 
before  thee,  and  do  thou  only  speak  unto  my  soul  ! 

The  more  a  man  is  devoted  to  internal  exercises, 
and  advanced  in  singleness  and  simplicity  of  heart, 
the  more  sublime  and  diffusive  will  be  his  knowl- 
edge. A  spirit  pure,  simple,  and  constant,  is  not  like 
Martha,  "distracted  and  troubled  with  the  multi- 
plicity of  its  employments,"  however  great ;  be- 
cause, being  inwardly  at  rest,  it  seeketh  not  its  own 
glory  in  what  it  does,  but  "  doth  all  to  the  glory  of 
God  :  "  for  there  is  no  other  cause  of  perplexity 
and  disquiet,  but  an  unsubdued  will,  and  unmorti- 
fied  affections.  A  holy  and  spiritual  mind,  by  reduc- 
ing them  to  the  rule  and  standard  of  his  own  mind, 
becomes  the  master  of  all  his  outward  acts  ;  he  does 
not  suffer  himself  to  be  led  by  them  to  the  indul- 
gence of  inordinate  affections  that  terminate  in  self, 
but  subjects  them  to  the  unalterable  judgment  of  an 
illuminated  and  sanctified  spirit. 

No  conflict  is  so  severe  as  his  who  labors  to 
subdue  himself;  but  in  this  we  must  be  continually 
engaged,  if  we  would  be  strengthened  in  the  inner 
man,  and  make  real  progress  towards  perfection. 
Indeed,  the  highest  perfection  we. can  attain  to  in  the 
present  state,  is  alloyed  with  much  imperfection ; 
and  our  best  knowledge  is  obscured  by  the  shades 
of  ignorance  ;  "  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly:"  an 
humble  knowledge  of  thyself,  therefore,  is  a  more 
certain  way  of  leading  thee  to  God,  than  the  most 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  91 

profound  investigations  of  science.  Science,  how- 
ever, or  a  proper  knowledge  of  the  things  that  be- 
long to  the  present  life,  is  so  far  from  being  blania- 
ble  considered  in  itself,  that  it  is  good,  and  ordained 
of  God  ;  but  purity  of  conscience,  and  holiness  of 
Ufe,  must  ever  be  preferred  before  it:  and  because 
men  are  more  solicitous  to  learn  much,  than  to  live 
well,  they  fall  into  error,  and  receive  little  or  no 
benefit  from  their  studies.  But  if  the  same  diligence 
was  exerted  to  eradicate  vice  and  implant  virtue, 
as  is  applied  to  the  discussion  of  unprofitable  ques- 
tions, and  the  "vain  strife  of  words;"  so  much  dar- 
ing wickedness  would  not  be  found  among  the 
common  ranks  of  men,  nor  so  much  licentiousness 
disgrace  those  who  are  eminent  for  knowledge.  As- 
suredly, in  the  approaching  day  of  universal  judg- 
ment, it  will  not  be  inquired  what  we  have  read,  but 
what  we  have  done ;  not  how  eloquently  we  have 
spoken,  but  how  holily  we  have  lived. 

Tell  me,  where  is  now  the  splendor  of  those 
learned  doctors  and  professors,  whom,  while  the 
honors  of  literature  were  blooming  around  them, 
you  so  well  knew,  and  so  highly  reverenced  ?  Their 
emoluments  and  offices  are  possessed  by  others,  who 
scarcely  have  them  in  remembrance:  the  tongue  of 
fame  could  speak  of  no  name  but  theirs  while  they 
lived,  and  now  it  is  utterly  silent  about  them  :  so 
suddenly  passeth  away  the  glory  of  human  attain- 
ments! Had  these  men  been  as  solicitous  to  be 
holy  as  they  were  to  be  learned,  their  studies  might 
have  been  blessed  with  that  honor  which  cannot  be 
sullied,  and  that  happiness  which  cannot  be  inter- 


82  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

rupted.  But  many  are  wholly  dLsappointed  in  their 
hopes  both  of  honor  and  happiness,  by  seeking  them 
in  the  pursuit  of  "science  falsely  so  called  ;"  and  not 
in  the  knowledge  of  themselves,  and  the  life  and 
service  of  God  :  and  choosing  rather  to  be  great  in 
the  eyes  of  men,  than  meek  and  lowly  in  the  sight 
of  God,  they  become  vain  in  their  imaginations, 
and  their  memorial  is  written  in  the  dust. 

He  is  truly  good,  who  hath  great  charity;  he  is 
truly  great,  who  is  little  in  his  OAvn  estimation,  and 
rates  at  nothing  the  summit  of  worldly  honor :  he  is 
truly  Avise,  who  "  counts  all  earthly  things  but  as 
dross,  that  he  may  win  Christ:"  and  he  is  truly 
learned,  who  hath  learned  to  abandon  Iiis  own  will, 
and  do  the  will  of  God. 

CHAPTER  lY. 

Prudence  with  respect  to  Opinions  and  Actions. 

We  must  not  believe  every  word  we  hear,  nor 
trust  the  suggestions  of  every  spirit ;  but  consider 
and  examine  all  things  with  patient  attention,  and 
in  reference  to  God ;  for  so  great,  alas !  is  human 
frailty,  that  we  are  more  ready  to  believe  and  speak 
evil  of  one  another  than  good.  But  a  holy  man  is 
not  forward  to  give  credit  to  the  reports  of  others ; 
because,  being  sensible  of  the  darkness  and  malignity 
of  nature,  he  knows  that  it  is  prone  to  evil,  and  too 
apt  to  pervert  truth  in  the  use  of  speech.  It  is  an 
evidence  of  true  wisdom,  not  to  be  precipitate  in  our 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  S$ 

actions,  nor  injflexible  in  our  opinions  ;  and  it  is  a 
part  of  the  same  wisdom,  not  to  give  hasty  credit  to 
every  word  that  is  spoken,  nor  immediately  to  com- 
municate to  others  what  we  have  heard,  or  even 
what  we  believe.  In  cases  of  perplexity  and  doubt, 
consult  a  prudent  and  religious  man  ;  and  choose 
rather  to  be  guided  by  the  counsel  of  one  better  than 
thyself,  than  to  follow  the  suggestions  of  thy  own 
blind  will. 

A  holy  life,  however,  makes  a  man  wise  according 
to  the  divine  wisdom,  and  AvonderfuUy  enlarges 
his  experience.  The  more  humble  his  spirit  is,  and 
the  more  subject  and  resigned  to  God,  the  more  wise 
will  he  become  in  the  conduct  of  outward  life,  and 
the  more  undisturbed  in  the  possession  of  himself 

CHAPTER  V. 

Of  readiTig  the  Scriptures,  and  other  holy  Books. 

Not  eloquence,  but  truth,  is  to  be  sought  in  the 
holy  Scriptures,  every  part  of  which  must  be  read 
with  the  same  spirit  by  which  it  was  written.  In 
these,  and  all  other  books,  it  is  improvement  in  ho- 
liness, not  pleasure  in  the  subtlety  of  thought,  or 
the  accuracy  of  expression,  that  must  be  principally 
regarded.  We  ought  to  read  those  parts  that  are 
simple  and  devout,  with  the  same  affection  and  de- 
light as  those  of  high  speculation,  or  profound  eru- 
dition. Whatever  book  thou  readest,  suffer  not  thy 
mind  to  be  influenced  by  the  character  of  the  wri- 


34  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

ter,  whether  liis  literary  accomplishments  be  great 
or  small.  Let  thy  only  motive  to  readj  be  the  love 
of  Truth  ;  and,  instead  of  inquiring  who  it  is  that 
writes,  give  all  thy  attention  to  the  nature  of  what 
is  written.  Men  pass  aAvay  like  the  shadows  of  the 
morning  ;  but  "  the  word  of  the  Lord  endureth  for 
ever  :"  and  tliat  word,  without  respect  of  persons, 
in  ways  infinitely  various,  speaketh  unto  all. 

The  profitable  reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures  is 
frequently  interrupted  by  a  vain  curiosity  which 
prompts  us  to  examine,  discuss,  and  labor  to  com- 
prehend those  parts  that  should  be  meekly  and  sub- 
missively passed  over.  But  to  derive  spiritual  im- 
provement from  reading,  we  must  read  Avith  humility, 
simplicity,  and  faith  ;  and  not  affect  the  reputation 
of  profound  learning. 


CHAPTER  VL 

Inordinate  Affections. 

The  moment  a  man  gives  way  to  inordinate  de- 
sire, disquietude  and  torment  lake  possession  of  his 
heart.  The  proud  and  the  covetous  are  never  at 
rest ;  but  the  humble,  and  poor  in  spirit,  possess 
their  souls  in  the  plenitude  of  peace. 

He  that  is  not  perfectly  dead  to  himself,  is  soon 
tempted  and  easily  subdued,  even  in  the  most  or- 
dinary occurrences  of  life.  The  weak  in  spirit 
who  is  yet  carnal,  and  inclined  to  the  pleasures  of 
sense,  finds  great  difficulty  in  withdrawing  himself 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  35 

from  earthly  desires  ;  he  feels  regret  and  sorrow,  as 
often  as  this  abstraction  is  attempted  ;  and  every 
opposition  to  the  indulgence  of  his  ruling  passion, 
kindles  his  indignation  and  resentment.  If  he  suc- 
ceeds in  the  gratification  of  inordinate  desire,  he  is 
immediately  stung  with  remorse ;  for  he  has  not 
only  contracted  the  guilt  of  sin,  but  is  wholly  disap- 
pointed of  the  peace  which  he  sought.  It  is,  there- 
fore, not  by  indulging,  but  by  resisting  our  passions, 
that  true  peace  of  heart  is  to  be  found.  It  cannot 
be  the  portion  of  him  that  is  carnal,  nor  of  him  that 
is  devoted  to  a  worldly  life ;  it  dwells  only  with  the 
humble  and  the  spiritual. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Of  Vain  Hope,  and  Elation  of  Mind. 

He  that  placeth  his  confidence  in  man,  or  in  any 
created  being,  is  vain,  and  trusteth  in  a  shadow. 
Be  not  ashamed  to  serve  thy  brethren  in  the  mean- 
est offices,  and  to  appear  poor  in  the  sight  of  men, 
for  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ.  Presume  not  upon  the 
success  of  thine  own  endeavours,  but  place  all  thy 
hope  in  God  :  do  all  that  is  in  thy  power  with  an 
upright  intention,  and  God  will  bless  w4th  his  favor 
the  integrity  of  thy  will.  Trust  not  in  thy  own 
wisdom,  nor  in  the  wisdom  and  skill  of  any  human 
being ;  but  trust  in  the  grace  and  favor  of  God, 
who  raises  the  humble,  and  humbles  the  presum- 
ing. 


86  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

Glory  not  in  riches,  though  they  increase  upon 
thee  5  nor  in  friends,  because  they  are  powerful  : 
but  glory  in  God,  who  giveth  riches,  and  friends, 
and  all  things.  Be  not  vain  of  the  gracefulness, 
strength,  and  beauty  of  thy  body,  which  a  little  sick- 
ness can  weaken  and  deform.  Please  not  thyself 
with  flattering  reflections  on  the  acuteness  of  thy 
natural  understanding,  and  the  SAveetness  of  thy 
natural  disposition  ;  lest  thou  displease  God,  who  is 
the  Author  of  all  the  good  that  nature  can  dispense. 
Do  not  think  thou  art  better  than  others,  lest,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  who  only  knoweth  what  is  in  man, 
thou  be  found  worse.  Be  not  proud  of  that  in 
which  thou  art  supposed  to  excel,  however  honored 
and  esteemed  by  men ;  for  the  judgment  of  God 
and  the  judgment  of  men  are  infinitely  different, 
and  that  displeaseth  him  which  is  commonly  pleas- 
ing to  them.  Whatever  good  thou  art  truly  con- 
scious of,  think  more  highly  of  the  good  of  others, 
that  thou  mayst  preserve  the  humility  of  thy  spirit: 
to  place  thyself  lower  than  all  mankind,  can  do  thee 
no  hurt ;  but  much  hurt  may  be  done,  by  prefer- 
ring thyself  to  a  single  individual.  Perpetual  peace 
dw^elleth  with  the  humble,  but  envy,  indignation, 
and  wrath,  distract  the  heart  of  the  proud. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  57 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Intercourse  with  the  World. 

"  Open  not  thine  heart  to  every  man  ;"  but  intrnst 
its  secrets  to  him  only  that  is  wise,  and  feareth  God. 
Be  seldom  in  the  company  of  young  men  and  stran- 
gers. Flatter  not  the  rich  ;  nor  affect  to  be  seen  in 
the  presence  of  the  great.  Associate  chiefly  with  the 
humble  and  simple,  the  holy  and  devout ;  and  let  thy 
conversation  with  them  be  on  subjects  that  tend  to 
the  perfection  of  thy  spirit.  Wish  to  be  familiar  with 
God,  and  his  holy  angels,  but  shun  the  notice  and  in- 
timacy of  men  ;  charity  is  due  to  all,  but  familiarity 
is  the  right  of  none. 

It  often  happens,  that  a  stranger,  whom  the  voice 
of  fame  had  made  illustrious,  loses  the  brightness  of 
his  character,  the  moment  he  is  seen  and  known: 
we  hope  to  please  others  by  entering  into  familiar 
connexions  vnt\i  them ;  and  we  presently  disgust 
them,  by  the  evil  qualities  and  irregular  behaviour 
which  they  discover  in  us 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Of  Subjection  and  Obedience. 

It  is  more  beneficial  to  live  in  subjection  than  in 
authority;  and  to  obey  is  safer  than  to  command. 


38  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

Many  live  in  subjection,  more  from  necessity  than 
the  love  of  God  ;  and,  therefore,  pass  a  life  of  con- 
tinual labor,  and  find  occasif^n  to  murmur  in  the 
most  trifling  events  :  nor  can  they  possibly  acquire 
liberty  of  spirit,  until,  with  the  whole  heart,  they 
are  resigned,  in  all  situations,  to  the  will  of  God. 
Go  where  thou  wilt,  rest  is  not  to  be  found,  but  in 
humble  submission  to  the  Divine  will.  A  fond 
imagination  of  being  easier  in  any  place  than  that 
which  Providence  has  assigned  us,  and  a  desire  of 
change  grounded  upon  it,  are  both  deceitful  and 
tormenting. 

Men  love  to  act  from  their  own  judgment,  and 
are  most  inclined  to  those  that  are  of  the  same 
opinion  with  themselves.  But  if  God  dwell  in  our 
hearts,  we  shall  find  it  necessary  frec^uently  to  aban- 
don our  own  sentiments,  for  the  sake  of  peace.  And 
who  is  so  perfectly  wise  as  to  comprehend  the  caus- 
es and  connexions  of  all  things  ?  Be  not  too  confi- 
dent, therefore,  in  thy  own  judgment,  but  willingly 
hearken  to  the  judgment  of  others.  And  though  in 
a  question  of  speculative  knowledge,  or  a  case  of 
worldly  prudence,  thy  own  opinion  may  be  good ; 
yet  if,  for  the  sake  of  God,  thou  canst  quietly  relin- 
quish it,  and  submit  to  the  opinion  of  another,  it 
will  greatly  conduce  to  thy  spiritual  perfection.  I 
have  often  heard,  that  it  is  more  safe  to  take  advice, 
than  to  give  it.  In  some  instances,  it  may  happen, 
that  each  man's  opinion  may  be  so  equally  good,  as 
to  produce  suspension  on  both  sides,  rather  than 
submission  on  either  j  but  to  refuse  submission  to 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  89 

the  opinion  of  another,  when  truth  or  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case  require  it,  is  a  proof  of  a  proud 
and  pertinacious  spirit. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Of  superfluous  Talking. 

As  much  as  Hes  in  thy  power,  shun  tlie  resorts  of 
worldly  men ;  for  much  conversation  on  secular 
business,  however  innocently  managed,  greatly  re- 
tards the  progress  of  the  spiritual  life.  We  are 
soon  captivated  by  vain  objects  and  employments, 
and  soon  defiled  ;  and  I  have  wished  a  thousand 
times,  that  I  had  either  not  been  in  company,  or  had 
been  silent. 

If  it  be  asked.  Why  we  are  so  fond  of  mixing  in 
the  familiar  and  unprofitable  conversations  of  the 
world,  from  which  we  so  seldom  return  to  silence 
and  recollection  without  defilement  and  compunc- 
tion ;  it  must  be  answered.  Because  we  seek  all  our 
consolation  in  the  present  fife,  and  therefore  hope, 
by  the  amusements  of  company,  to  efface  the  im- 
pressions of  sorrow  ;  and  because  of  those  things 
that  we  most  love  and  desire,  and  of  those  that  w^e 
most  hate  and  would  avoid,  we  are  fond  of  thinking 
and  speaking.  But,  alas  !  how  deceitful  is  this 
artificial  management  !  for  the  hope  of  consolation 
from  outward  life,  utterly  destroys  that  inward  and 
divine  consolation  which  the  Holy  Spirit  gives  us, 


40  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

and  which  is  the  only  support  of  the  soul  under  all 
its  troubles.  Let  us,  therefore,  watch  and  pray 
^vithout  ceasing,  that  no  part  of  our  invaluable  time 
may  be  thus  sacrificed  to  vanity  and  sin  :  and  when- 
ever it  is  proper  and  expedient  to  speak,  let  us  speak 
those  things  that  are  holy,  by  wliich  Christians 
"  edify  one  another." 

An  evil  habit  of  negligence  and  inattention  to  our 
growth  in  grace,  is  the  principal  cause  of  our  keep- 
ing no  guard  upon  our  lips.  Spiritual  conferences, 
however,  are  highly  serviceable  to  spiritual  improve- 
ment, especially  when  persons  of  one  heart  and  one 
mind  associate  together  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Of  Peace  of  Mind,  and  Zeal  for  Improvement. 

We  might  enjoy  much  peace,  if  we  did  not  busy 
our  minds  with  what  others  do  and  say,  in  which 
we  have  no  concern.  But  how  is  it  possible  for 
that  man  to  dwell  long  in  peace,  who  continually 
intermeddles  in  the  affairs  of  another;  who  runs 
abroad  seeking  occasions  of  disquietude,  and  never 
or  but  seldom  turns  to  God  in  the  retirement  of  a 
recollected  spirit  .?  Blessed  are  the  meek  and  single- 
hearted,  for  they  shall  possess  the  abundance  of 
peace! 

Whence  was  it  that  some  of  the  saints  became 
so  perfect  in  the  prayer  of  contemplation,  but  be- 


IMITATION    OF    CHHIST.  41 

cause,  it  was  their  continual  study  and  endeavour  to 
mortify  earthly  desires,  and  abstract  themselves  from 
worldly  concerns,  tliat  being  free  from  perturbation, 
they  might  adhere  to  God  with  all  the  powers  of 
the  soul  ?  But  we  are  too  much  engaged  with  our 
own  passions,  and  too  tenderly  afiected  by  the  busi- 
ness and  pleasures  of  this  transitory  life,  to  be  ca- 
pable of  such  high  attainments  :  nay,  so  fixed  are 
our  sj)irits  in  slothfulness  and  cold  indifierence,  that 
we  seldom  overcome  so  much  as  one  evil  habit. 

If  we  were  perfectly  dead  to  ourselves,  and  free 
from  all  inward  entanglement,  we  might  have  some 
relish  for  divine  enjoyments,  and  begin  to  experience 
the  blessedness  of  heavenly  contemplation.  The 
principal,  if  not  the  only  impediment  to  such  a  state 
is,  that  we  continue  in  subjection  to  violent  passions 
and  inordinate  desires,  without  making  effort  to  en- 
ter into  the  narrow  way,  which  Christ  has  pointed 
out  as  the  one  way  of  perfection  for  all  the  saints 
of  God.  Therefore,  vrhen  adversity  comes  upon  us, 
we  are  soon  dejected,  and  have  immediate  recourse 
to  human  consolations.  Did  we  but  endeavour,  like 
valiant  soldiers,  to  stand  our  ground  in  the  hour  of 
battle,  Ave  should  feel  the  succour  of  the  Lord  de- 
scending upon  us  from  heaven:  for  he  is  always  ready 
to  assist  those  that  resolutely  strive,  and  place  their 
whole  confidence  in  the  power  of  his  grace  ;  nay,  he 
creates  occasions  of  contest,  to  bless  us  with  oppor- 
tunities of  victory. 

If  the  progress  to  perfection  is  placed  only  in  ex 
ternal  observances,  our  religion,  having  no  divine 
4 


42  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

life,  will  quickly  perish  with  the  things  on  which  it 
subsists;  the  axe  must  be  laid  to  the  root  of  the 
tree,  that  being  separated  and  freed  from  the  restless 
desires  of  nature  and  self,  we  may  possess  our  souls 
in  the  peace  of  God.  If  every  year  we  did  but 
extirpate  one  vice,  we  should  soon  become  perfect 
men  :  but  some  experience  the  sad  reverse  of  this, 
and  find  that  they  were  more  contrite,  more  pure, 
more  humble,  and  obedient,  in  the  beginning  of 
their  conversion,  than  after  many  years  profession 
of  a  religious  life.  It  would  be  but  reasonable  to 
expect,  that  the  fervor  of  our  affections,  and  our 
progress  in  holiness,  should  advance  higher  and 
higher  every  day:  but  it  is  by  some  thought  to  be  a 
foundation  of  comfort,  and  even  of  boast,  if  a  man, 
at  the  close  of  this  mortal  state,  is  able  to  retain 
some  degree  of  his  first  ardor. 

That  the  path  of  holiness  may  become  easy  and 
delightful,  some  violence  must  be  used  at  first  set- 
ting out,  to  remove  its  numerous  obstructions.  It  is- 
hard,  indeed,  to  relinquish  that  to  which  we  have 
been  accustomed;  and  harder  still,  to  resist  and  deriy 
our  own  will.  But  how  can  we  hope  to  succeed  in 
the  greatest  conflict,  if  we  will  not  contend  for  victo- 
ry in  the  least  ?  Resist,  then,  thy  inordinate  desires 
in  their  birth  ;  and  continually  lessen  the  power  of  • 
thy  evil  habits,  lest  they  increase  in  strength  in 
proportion  as  they  are  indulged,  and  grow  at  length 
too  mighty  to  be  subdued.  O  !  if  thou  didst  but 
consider  what  peace  thou  wilt  bring  to  thyself,  and 
what  joy  thou  wilt  produce  in  heaven,  by  a  life  con- 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 


formed  to  the  life  of  Christ,  I  think  thou  wouldst 
be  more  watchful  and  zealous  for  thy  continual  ad- 
vancement towards  spiritual  perfection. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

The  Benefit  of  Adversity. 

It  is  good  for  man  to  suffer  the  adversity  of  this 
earthly  hie  ;  for  it  brings  him  back  to  the  sacred  re- 
tirement of  the  heart,  where  only  he  finds  that  he 
is  an  exile  from  his  native  home,  and  ought  not  to 
place  his  trust  in  any  worldly  enjoyment.  It  is 
good  for  him  also  to  meet  with  contradiction  and 
reproach  ;  to  be  evil  thought  of,  and  evil  spoken  of, 
even  when  his  intentions  are  upright,  and  his  ac- 
tions blameless  ;  for  this  keeps  him  humble,  and  is 
a  powerful  antidote  to  the  poison  of  vain-glory. 
When  we  are  outwardly  despised,  and  held  in  no 
degree  of  esteem  and  favor  among  men  ;  then  chiefly 
it  is,  that  we  have  recourse  to  the  witness  within 
us,  which  is  God.  Our  dependence  upon  God  ought 
to  be  so  entire  and  absolute,  that  we  should  never 
think  it  necessary,  in  any  kind  of  distress,  to  have 
recourse  to  human  consolations. 

When  a  regenerate  man  is  sinking  under  adver- 
sity, or  disturbed  and  tempted  by  evil  thoughts, 
then  he  feels  the  necessity  of  the  power  and  pres^ 
ence  of  God  in  his  soul,  without  which  he  certainly 
knows  that  he  can  neither  bear  evil  por  do  good  3 


44  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

then  he  grieves  and  prays,  and  "  groans  to  be  deliv- 
ered from  the  bondage  of  corruption  ;"  then  weary 
of  living  in  vanity,  he  wishes  to  "  die,  that  he  may 
be  dissolved,  and  be  with  Christ ;"  and  then  he  is 
fully  convinced,  that  absolute  security  and  perfect 
rest  are  not  compatible  with  his  present  state  of  life. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Temptations. 

As  long  as  we  continue  in  this  world,  we  cannot 
possibly  be  free  from  the  trouble  and  anguish  of 
temptation.  In  confirmation  of  this  truth,  it  is 
written  in  Job,  that  "  the  life  of  man  upon  earth 
is  a  continual  warfare."  Every  one,  therefore, 
ought  to  be  attentive  to  the  temptations  that  are 
peculiar  to  his  own  spirit ;  and  to  persevere  in  watch- 
fulness and  prayer,  lest  his  "adversary  the  devil, 
who  never  sleepeth,  but  continually  goeth  about, 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour,"  should  find  some  un- 
guarded place,  where  he  may  enter  with  his  delu- 
sions. 

The  highest  degree  of  holiness  attainable  by  man, 
is  no  security  against  the  assaults  of  temptation, 
from  which  his  present  life  is  not  capable  of  absolute 
exemption.  But  temptations,  however  dangerous 
and  afflicting,  are  highly  beneficial ;  because,  under 
their  discipline,  we  are  humbled,  purified,  and  led 
towards  perfection.     All  the  followers  of  Christ 


IMITATION    OP    CHRIST.  45 

have,  through  "  much  tribulation  and  affliction,  en- 
tered into  the  kingdom  of  God  ;"  and  those  that  could 
not  endure  the  trial,  have  "  fallen  from  the  faith  and 
expectation  of  the  saints,  and  become  reprobate." 

There  is  no  order  of  men,  however  holy,  nor 
any  place,  however  secret  and  remote,  where  and 
among  whom  temptations  Avill  not  come  for  the 
exercise  of  meekness,  and  troubles  rise  for  the  trial 
of  patient  resignation.  And  that  this  must  be  the 
condition  of  human  nature  in  the  present  life  is  evi- 
dent, because  it  is  born  in  sin,  and  contains  in  itself 
those  restless  and  inordinate  desires  which  are  the 
ground  of  every  temptation  :  so  that  when  one 
temptation  is  removed,  another  succeeds ;  and  we 
shall  always  have  some  degree  of  evil  to  suffer,  till 
we  recover  the  purity  and  perfection  of  that  state 
from  which  we  have  fallen. 

Many,  by  endeavouring  to  fly  from  temptations, 
have  fallen  precipitately  into  them  ;  for  it  is  not  by 
flight,  but  by  patience  and  humility,  that  we  must 
become  superior  to  all  our  enemies.  He  who  only 
declines  the  outward  occasion,  and  strives  not  to 
eradicate  the  inward  principle,  is  so  far  from  con- 
quest, that  the  temptation  will  recur  the  sooner,  and 
with  greater  violence,  and  he  will  feel  the  conflict 
still  more  severe.  It  is  by  gradual  advances,  rather 
than  impetuous  efforts,  that  victory  is  obtained  ; 
rather  by  patient  suffering  that  looks  up  to  God 
for  support,  than  by  impatient  solicitude  and  rigor- 
ous austerity. 

In  thine  own  temptations,  often  ask  counsel  of 
those  that  have  been  tried,  and  have  overcome  ;  and 


40  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

in  the  temptations  of  thy  brother,  treat  him  not 
with  severity,  but  tenderly  administer  the  comfort 
which  you  desire  to  receive. 

That  which  renders  the  first  assaults  of  tempta- 
tion peculiarly  severe  and  dangerous,  is  the  insta- 
bility of  our  own  minds,  arising  from  the  want  of 
faith  in  God  ;  and  as  a  ship  without  a  steersman, 
is  driven  about  by  the  force  of  contrary  winds,  so 
an  unstable  man,  that  has  no  faith  in  God,  is  tossed 
and  borne  away  upon  the  wave  of  every  temptation. 

"  Gold  is  tried  in  the  fire,  and  acceptable  men  in 

the  furnace  of  adv^ersity."     We  frequently  knoAV  not 

the  strength  that  is  hidden  in  us,  till  temptation  calls 

it  forth,  and  shows  us  how  much  we  are  able  to 

siistEiin.     We  must  not,  however,  presume,  but  be 

particularly  upon  our  guard  against  the  first  assaults  ; 

for  the  enemy  will  be  more  easily  subd  ued,  if  he  is 

resisted  in  his  approaches,  and  not  suffered  to  enter 

the  portal  of  our  hearts.     A  certain  poet  gives  this 

advice : 

Take  physic  early ;  medicines  come  too  late. 
When  the  disease  is  grown  inveterate. 

And  the  caution  may  be  successfully  applied  to  the 
assaults  of  sin,  the  progress  of  which  is  gradual 
and  dangerous.  Evil  is  at  first  presented  to  the  mind 
by  a  single  suggestion ;  the  imagination  kindled  by 
the  idea,  seizes  it  with  strength,  and  feeds  upon  it : 
this  produces  sensual  delight,  then  the  motions  of 
inordinate  desire,  and  at  length  the  full  consent  of 
the  will.  Thus,  the  malignant  enemy,  not  resisted 
in  his  first  attack,  enters  by  gradual  advances,  and 
takes  entire  possession  of  the  heart :  and  the  longer 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  47 

opposition  is  deferred  hy  habitual  negligence,  the 
power  of  opposing  becomes  every  day  less,  and  the 
strength  of  the  adversary  proportion  ably  greater. 

To  some,  tenjptations  are  more  severe  at  the  be- 
ginning of  their  religious  course ;  to  others,  at  the 
end:  some  are  afflicted  with  them  during  the  whole 
of  life  ;  and  some  experience  comparatively  short  and 
gentle  trials.  This  variety  is  adjusted  by  the  wis- 
dom and  equity  of  divine  Providence,  which  hath 
weighed  the  different  states  and  dispositions  of  men, 
and  ordered  all  its  dispensations  so  as  most  etfectually 
to  tend  to  the  salvation  of  all.  Therefore,  when  we 
are  tempted,  let  us  not  despair ;  but  rather,  with 
more  animated  fervors  of  faith,  hope,  and  love,  pray 
to  God,  that  he  would  vouchsafe  to  support  us  under 
all  our  trials,  and,  in  the  language  of  St.  Paul,  "  with 
every  tem])tation,  to  make  also  a  way  to  escape,"  that 
we  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  "Let  us  humble  our 
souls,  under  the  hand  of  God,"  who  hath  promised 
to  "save  and  exalt  the  lowly  and  the  meek." 

By  these  trials,  proficiency  in  the  christian  life  is 
proved.  The  power  of  divine  grace  is  more  sensibly 
felt  in  ourselves,  and  the  fruits  of  it  are  more  illustri- 
ously apparent  to  others.  It  is,  indeed,  a  little  mat- 
ter, for  a  man  to  be  holy  and  devout,  when  he  feels 
not  the  pressure  of  any  evil:  but  if,  in  the  midst  of 
troubles,  he  maintains  his  faith,  his  hope,  his  resigna- 
tion, and  "  in  patience  possesses  his  soul,"  he  gives  a 
considerable  evidence  of  a  regenerate  nature.  Some, 
however,  who  have  been  blest  with  victory  in  com- 
bating temptations  of  the  most  rigorous  kind,  are  yet 
suffered  to  fall  even  by  the  lightest  that  arise  in  the 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 


occurrences  of  daily  life  ;  that  being  humbled  by  the 
want  of  power  to  resist  such  slight  attacks,  they  may 
never  presume  upon  their  own  strength  to  repel  those 
that  are  more  severe. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

JRash  Judgment. 

Keep  thy  eye  turned  inwardly  upon  thyself,  and 
beware  of  judging  the  actions  of  others.  In  judging 
others,  a  man  labors  to  no  purpose,  commonly  errs, 
and  easily  sins :  but  in  examining  and  judging  him- 
self, he  is  always  wisely  and  usefully  employed. 

We  generally  judge  of  persons  and  things  as  they 
dther  oppose  or  gratif}^  our  private  views  and  incli- 
nations ;  and,  blinded  by  self-love,  are  easily  led  from 
the  judgment  of  truth.  If  God  alone  was  the  pure 
object  of  all  our  intentions  and  desires,  we  should 
not  be  troubled  when  the  truth  of  things  happens  to 
be  repugnant  to  our  own  sentiments:  but  now,  we 
are  continually  drawn  aside  from  truth  and  peace, 
by  some  partial  inclination  lurking  within,  or  some 
apparent  good  or  evil  rising  without. 

Many,  indeed,  secretly  seek  themselves  in  every 
thing  they  do,  and  perceive  it  not.  These,  while 
the  course  of  things  perfectly  coincides  with  the  sen- 
timents and  wishes  of  their  own  hearts,  seem  to 
possess  all  the  blessings  of  peace ;  but  when  their 
wishes  are  disappointed,  and  their  sentiments  oppo*- 


IMITATION    OF   CHRIST. 


49 


ed,  they  are  immediately  disturbed,  and  become 
wretched. 

From  the  diversity  of  inclinations  and  opinions 
tenaciously  adhered  to,  arise  dissensions  among 
friends  and  countrymen,  nay,  even  among  the  pro- 
lessors  of  a  religious  and  holy  life. 

It  is  difficult  to  extirpate  that  which  custom  has 
deeply  rooted  ;  and  no  man  is  willing  to  be  carried 
further  than  his  own  inclinations  and  opinions  lead 
him.  If,  however,  thou  adherest  more  to  thy  own 
reason  and  thy  own  will,  than  to  the  meek  obedi- 
ence of,  Jesus  Chnst,  as  the  principle  of  all  virtue 
within  thee ;  thou  wilt  but  slowly,  if  ever,  receive 
the  illuminations  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  for  God  ex- 
pects an  entire  and  absolute  subjection  of  our  will 
to  his  ;  and  that  the  flames  of  divine  love  should  in- 
finitely transcend  the  sublimest  heights  of  human 
reason. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

W(yrks  of  Charity. 

Let  not  the  hope  of  any  worldly  advantage,  nor 
the  affection  thou  bearest  to  any  creature,  prevail 
upon  thee  to  do  that  which  is  evil.  For  the  benefit 
of  him,  however,  who  stands  in  need  of  relief,  a 
customary  good  work  may  sometimes  be  intermit- 
ted ;  for,  in  such  a  case,  that  good  work  is  not  an- 
nihilated, but  incorporated  with  a  better. 
5 


50  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

Without  charity,  that  is  love,  the  external  work 
profiteth  nothing  ;  but  whatever  is  done  from  chari^ 
ty,  however  trifling  and  contemptible  in  the  opinion 
of  men,  is  wholly  fruitful  in  the  acceptance  of  God, 
who  regardeth  more  the  degree  of  love  with  which 
we  act,  than  what  or  how  much  we  have  performed. 
He  doeth  much,  who  loveth  much  ;  he  doeth  much 
who  doth  well ;  and  he  doth  much  and  well,  who 
constantly  preferreth  the  good  of  the  community 
to  thd  gratification  of  his  own  will.  Many  actions, 
indeed,  assume  the  appearance  of  charity,  that  are 
wholly  selfish  and  carnal ;  for  inordinate  aflfection, 
self-will,  the  hope  of  reward,  and  the  desire  of  per- 
sonal advantage  and  convenience,  are  the  common 
motives  that  influence  the  conduct  of  men. 

He  that  has  true  and  perfect  charity,  "  seeketh 
not  his  own "  in  any  thing,  but  seeketh  only  that 
"  God  may  be  glorified  in  all  things  ;"  he  "  envieth 
not,"  f(3r  he  desires  no  private  gratification  :  he 
delights  not  in  himself,  nor  in  any  created  being ; 
but  wishes  for  that  which  is  infinitely  transcendent, 
to  be  blest  in  the  enjoyment  of  God  :  he  ascribes 
not  good  to  any  creature,  but  refers  it  absolutely 
to  God;  from  whom,  as  from  its  fountain,  all  good 
originally  flows ;  in  whom,  as  in  their  centre,  all 
saints  will  finally  rest. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  61 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Bearing  the  Infii-mities  of  others. 

Those  evils  which  a  man  cannot  rectify,  he  ought 
to  bear  with  humble  resignation,  till  God  shall  be 
pleased  to  produce  a  change.  This  state  of  imbecili- 
ty is,  perhaps,  continued,  as  the  proper  trial  of  pa- 
tience, without  the  perfect  work  of  which,  we  shall 
make  but  slow  and  ineffectual  progress  in  the  Chris- 
tian life.  Yet,  under  these  impediments,  we  must 
devoutly  pray,  that  God  would  enable  us,  by  the 
assistance  of  his  Spirit,  to  bear  them  wiith  constan- 
cy and  meekness. 

If  "after  the  first  and  second  admonition,  thy 
brother  will  not  obey  the  truth,"  contend  no  longer 
with  him  ;  but  leave  the  event  to  God,  who  only 
knoweth  how  to  turn  evil  into  good,  that  his  will 
may  be  done,  and  his  glory  accomplished  in  all  his 
creatures.* 

Endeavour  to  be  always  patient  of  the  faults  and 
imperfections  of  others  ;  for  thou  hast  many  faults 
and  imperfections  of  thy  own,  that  require  a  recip- 
rocation of  forbearance.  If  thou  art  not  able  to 
make  thyself  that  which  thou  wishest  to  be,  how 
canst  thou  expect  to  mould  another  in  conformity  to 
thy  will  ?    But  we  require  perfection  in  the  rest  of 

*  If  he  be  a  member  of  the  same  individual  church,  the 
rule  of  further  proceedings,  if  the  offence  be  open,  is  found. 
Matt,  xviii.,  which  every  church  member  ought  frequently 
to  read.  Ed. 


52  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

mankind,  and  take  no  care  to  rectify  the  disorders 
of  our  own  heart ;  we  desire  that  the  faults  of  others 
should  be  severely  punished,  and  refuse  the  gentlest 
correction  ourselves  ;  we  are  offended  at  their  licen- 
tiousness, and  yet  cannot  bear  the  least  opposition 
to  our  own  immoderate  desires  ;  we  would  subject 
all  to  the  control  of  rigorous  statutes  and  penal 
laws,  but  will  not  suffer  any  restraint  upon  our  own 
actions.  Thus  it  appears,  how  very  seldom  the 
second  of  the  two  great  commandments  of  Christ  is 
fulfilled,  and  how  difficult  it  is  for  a  man  to  "  love  his 
neighbour  as  he  loves  himself" 

If  all  men  were  perfect,  we  should  meet  with 
nothing  in  the  conduct  of  others  to  suffer  for  the  sake 
of  God.  Bat  in  the  present  fallen  state  of  human 
nature,  it  is  his  blessed  will,  that  we  should  learn  to 
"bear  one  another's  burdens:"  and  as  no  man  is  free 
from  some  burden  of  sin  or  sorrow  ;  as  none  has 
strength  and  wisdom  sufficient  for  all  the  purposes 
of  life  and  duty,  the  necessity  of  mutual  forbearance, 
mutual  consolation,  mutual  support,  instruction,  and 
advice,  is  founded  upon  our  mutual  imperfections, 
troubles,  and  wants.  Besides,  by  outward  occasions 
of  suffering  from  the  conduct  of  others,  the  nature 
and  degree  of  every  man's  inward  strength  is  more 
plainly  discovered  ;  for  outward  occasions  do  not 
make  him  frail,  but  only  show  him  what  he  is  in 
himself. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  58 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  Exercises  of  Religion. 

The  life  of  a  religious  man  ought  not  only  so  to 
abound  with  holiness,  as  that  the  frame  of  his  spirit 
may  be  at  least  equal  to  his  outward  behaviour; 
but  there  ought  to  be  much  more  holiness  within 
than  is  discernible  without ;  because  God,  who 
searcheth  the  heart,  is  our  inspector  and  judge,  whom 
it  is  our  duty  infinitely  to  reverence.  We  ought 
every  day  to  renew  our  holy  resolutions,  and  excite 
ourselves  to  more  animated  fervor,  as  if  it  were  the 
first  day  of  our  conversion  ;  and  to"  say — ' '  Assist 
me,  O  Lord  God,  in  my  resolution  to  devote  myself 
to  thy  holy  service  ;  and  grant,  that  this  day  I  may 
begin  to  walk  perfectly,  because  all  that  I  have  done 
hitherto  is  nothing." 

According  to  the  strength  of  our  resolution,  so  is 
the  degree  of  our  progress  ;  and  much  diligence  and 
ardor  is  necessary  for  him  who  wishes  to  advance 
well  :  for  if  he  whose  resolutions  are  strong,  often 
fails,  what  will  he  do,  whose  resolutions  are  weak  ? 
We  break  our  resolutions,  indeed,  from  various 
causes,  and  in  various  waj^s  ;  and  a  slight  omission 
of  religious  exercises  seldom  happens  without  some 
injury  to  the  spirit. 

The  good  resolutions  of  the  righteous  depend  not 
upon  their  own  wisdom  and  ability,  but  upon  the 
grace  of  God,  in  which  they  perpetually  confide, 
whatever  be  their  attempts ;  for  they  know,  that 


54  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

"  though  the  heart  of  man  deviseth  his  way,"  yet 
the  Lord  ordereth  the  event ;  and  that  "  it  is  not  in 
man  that  walketh,  to  direct  his  steps." 

If  for  some  act  of  piety,  or  some  purpose  of  ad- 
vantage to  thy  brother,  a  customary  exercise  is 
sometimes  omitted,  it  may  afterwards  be  easily 
resumed ;  but  if  it  is  lightly  relinquished  through 
carelessness  or  weariness  of  spirit,  the  omission  be- 
comes culpable,  and  will  be  found  hurtful.  After 
the  best  exertion  of  our  endeavours,  we  shall  still 
be  apt  to  fail  in  many  duties.  Some  determined 
resolution,  however,  must  always  be  made,  especial- 
ly against  those  tempers  and  habits  that  are  the 
chief  inipe  liments  to  our  groAvth  in  grace. 

The  concerns  of  our  outward  state,  as  well  as  of 
our  inward  spirit,  are  to  be  examined  and  regulated  ; 
because  both  have  a  considerable  influence  in  ob- 
structing or  advancing  the  spiritual  life.  If  thou 
canst  not  continually  recollect  thyself,  do  it  some- 
times at  least,  and  not  less  than  twice  every  day,  in 
the  morning  and  in  the  evening.  In  the  morning, 
resolve ;  and,  in  the  evening,  examine  what  thou 
hast  that  day  been  in  thought,  word,  and  deed  ;  for 
in  all  these,  perhaps,  thou  hast  often  offended  God 
and  thy  brother. — Gird  thy  loins  like  a  valiant  man, 
and  be  continually  watchful  against  the  malicious 
stratagems  of  the  devil.  Bridle  the  appetite  of  glut- 
tony, and  thou  wilt  with  less  dilhculty  restrain  all 
other  inordinate  desires  of  animal  nature.  Never 
suffer  the  invaluable  moments  of  thy  Ufe  to  steal  by 
unimproved,  and  leave  thee  in  idleness  and  vacancy ; 
but  be  always  either  reading,  or  writing,  or  praying, 


IMITATION    OF   CHRIST  55 

or  meditating,  or  employed  in  some  useful  labor  for 
the  common  good. 

The  same  kind  of  exercise  is  not  equally  suited  to 
the  state  and  improvement  of  every  spirit ;  but  some 
are  more  useful  and  convenient  to  one  than  to  anoth- 
er. Different  exercises  are  also  expedient  for  differ- 
ent times  and  seasons  ;  and  some  are  more  salutary 
for  the  days  of  feasting,  and  some  for  the  days  of 
fasting  :  Ave  stand  in  need  of  some  in  the  seasons  of 
temptation,  and  of  others  in  the  hours  of  internal 
peace  and  rest :  some  subjects  of  meditation  are  fit- 
ter for  a  time  of  sorrow,  and  others  when  we  "  re- 
joice in  the  Lord." 

When  we  expect  to  receive  the  Lord's  supper,  or 
are  about  to  observe  any  other  special  season  of  de- 
votion, self-examination  is  an  exercise  peculiarly  im- 
portant, and  timely.  Indeed  we  ought  at  all  times  so 
to  prepare  our  spirits,  and  so  regulate  our  actions, 
as  if  we  were  shortly  to  be  admitted  into  "the  joy 
of  our  Lord."  If  that  blessed  event  is  still  deferred, 
let  us  humbly  acknowledge  that  we  are  not  yet  suf- 
ficiently prepared  for  that  great  "  glory  wliich  shall 
be  revealed  in  us,"  in  God's  appointed  time  :  and 
may  a  contrite  sense  of  such  an  improper  state, 
quicken  us  to  more  faithful  vigilance,  and  a  more 
holy  preparation.  "  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom 
his  Lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  watching. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  will  make  him  ruler 
over  all  that  he  hath." 


56  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Solitude  and  Silence. 

Appropriate  a  convenient  part  of  time  to  retire- 
ment and  self-converse,  and  frequently  meditate  on 
the  wonderful  love  of  God  in  the  redemption  of  man. 
Reject  all  studies  that  are  merely  curious  ;  and  read 
Avhat  will  penetrate  the  heart  with  holy  compunc- 
tion, rather  than  exercise  the  brain  with  useless 
speculations. 

If  thou  canst  refrain  from  unnecessary  conver- 
sation and  idle  visits,  and  suppress  the  desire  of 
"  hearing  and  telling  some  new  thing  ;"  thou  wilt 
find  not  only  abundant  leisure,  but  convenient  oppor- 
tunity, for  holy  and  useful  meditation.  It  is  the 
declaration  of  Seneca,  that  "  as  often  as  he  mingled 
in  the  company  of  men,  he  came  out  of  it  less  a 
man  than  he  went  in."  To  the  truth  of  .this  our 
own  experience,  after  much  free  conversation,  bears 
testimony ;  for  it  is  much  easier  to  be  wholly  si- 
lent, than  not  to  exceed  in  word  ;  it  is  much  easier 
to  keep  concealed  at  home,  than  to  preserve  our- 
selves from  sin  abroad  :  he,  therefore,  that  presseth 
forward  to  the  perfection  of  the  internal  and  spir- 
itual life,  must,  with  Jesus,  as  much  as  possible, 
"withdraw  himself  from  the  multitude." 

No  man  can  safely  go  abroad,  that  does  not  love 
to  stay  at  home ;  no  man  can  safely  speak,  that  does 
not  willingly  hold  his  tongue ;  no  man  can  safely 
govern,  that  would  not  cheerfully  become  subject ; 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  57 

no  man  can  safely  command,  that  has  not  truly 
learned  to  obey ;  and  no  man  can  safely  rejoice,  but 
he  that  has  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience. 

The  joy  of  the  saints  has  always  been  full  of  the 
fear  of  God  ;  nor  were  they  less  humble,  and  less 
watchful  over  themselves,  because  of  the  splendor 
of  their  holiness,  and  their  extraordinary  measures 
of  grace.  But  the  security  of  the  wicked  begins  in 
pride  and  presumption,  and  ends  in  self-delusion. 
Whatever,  therefore,  are  thy  attainments  in  holiness, 
do  not  promise  thyself  a  st^te  of  unchangeable  ele- 
vation in  the  present  life.  Those  whose  character 
for  virtue  has  stood  high  in  the  esteem  of  men,  have 
been  proportionably  more  exposed  to  the  danger  of 
a  severer  fall,  through  self-confidence.  Therefore, 
it  is  much  safer  for  most  men  not  to  be  wholly  free 
from  temptation,  but  rather  to  be  often  assaulted, 
lest  they  grow  secure  ;  lest  they  exalt  themselves  in 
the  pride  of  human  attainments  ;  nay,  lest  they  be- 
come wholly  devoted  to  the  lionors,  pleasures,  and 
comforts  of  their  earthly  life. 

O  that  man  would  less  anxiously  seek  after  transi- 
tory joy,  would  less  busy  himself  with  the  trifling 
affairs  of  a  perishing  world  ;  how  pure  a  conscience 
might  he  maintain  !  O  that  he  could  divorce  his 
spirit  from  all  vain  solicitude  ;  and,  devoting  it  to  the 
contemplation  of  God  and  the  truths  of  salvation, 
place  all  his  confidence  in  the  divine  mercy.  In  what 
profound  tranquillity  and  peace  would  he  possess 
his  soul  ! 

No  man  is  worthy  of  heavenly  consolation,  unless 
ne  hath  been  diligently  exercised  in  holy  corapunc- 


58  IMITATION    OP   CHRIST. 

tion.  If  thou  desirest  true  compunction,  enter  into 
thy  closet,  and  excluding  the  tumults  of  the  world, 
according  to  the  advice  of  the  Psalmist,  "  commune 
with  thy  heart  and  be  still,"  that  thou  mayst  feel  re- 
gret and  horror  for  sin.  Thou  wilt  find  in  the  clos- 
et, that  which  thou  often  losest  abroad.  The  closet 
long  continued  in,  becomes  delightful ;  but,  when 
seldom  visited,  it  is  beheld  with  reluctance,  weari- 
ness, and  disgust.  If,  in  the  beginning  of  thy  con- 
version, thou  canst  keep  close  to  it,  and  cultivate  the 
advantages  it  is  capable  of  yielding,  it  will  be  ever 
after  desirable  as  a  beloved  friend,  and  become  the 
seat  of  true  consolation. 

In  solitude  and  silence  the  holy  soul  advances  with 
speedy  steps,  and  learns  the  hidden  truths  of  the  ora- 
cJes  of  God.  There  she  riseth  to  a  more  intimate 
union  with  her  Creator,  in  proportion  as  she  leaves 
the  darkness,  impurity,  and  tumult  of  the  world. 
To  him  who  withdraws  himself  from  his  friends 
and  acquaintance  to  seek  after  God,  will  God  draw 
near  with  his  holy  angels.  It  is  better  for  a  man  to 
lie  hid,  and  attend  to  the  purification  of  his  soul,, 
than,  neglecting  that  "one  thing  needful,"  to  go 
abroad  and  work  miracles.  Our  sensual  appetites 
continually  prompt  us  to  range  abroad,  in  search  of 
gratification ;  but  when  the  hour  of  wandering  is 
over,  what  do  we  bring  home,  but  remorse  of  con- 
science, and  weariness  and  dissipation  of  spirit  ?  A 
joyful  going  out  is  often  succeeded  by  a  sad  return  ; 
and  a  merry  evening  brings  a  sorrowful  morning. 
Thus  carnal  joy  enters  delightfully,  but  ere  it  de- 
parts, bites  and  kills. 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  59 

What  canst  thou  see  anywhere  else,  which  thou 
canst  not  see  in  thy  chosen  retirement  ?  Behold  the 
heavens,  the  earth,  and  all  the  elements  !  for  out  of 
these  were  all  things  made.  What  canst  thou  see 
there  or  anywhere,  that  will  "  continue  long  under 
the  sun.'' "  Thou  hopest,  perhaps,  to  subdue  desire 
by  enjoyment :  but  thou  wilt  find  it  impossible  for 
"  the  eye  to  be  satisfied  with  seeing,  or  the  ear  filled 
with  hearing."  If  all  nature  could  pass  in  review 
before  thee,  what  would  it  be  but  a  vain  vision  .'' 

Lift  up  thy  eyes,  then,  to  God  in  the  highest 
heavens,  and  pray  for  the  forgiveness  of  thy  innu- 
merable sins  and  negligences.  Leave  vain  pleasures 
to  the  enjoyment  of  vain  men,  and  mind  only  that 
which  God  hath  required  of  thee  for  thine  own  eter- 
nal good.  Make  thy  door  fast  behind  thee  ;  and 
invite  Jesus,  thy  beloved,  to  come  unto  thee,  and 
enlighten  thy  darkness  with  his  light.  Abide  faith- 
fully with  him  in  this  retirement,  for  thou  canst  not 
find  so  much  peace  in  any  other  place. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Compunction  of  Heart. 

If  thou  wouldst  make  any  progress  in  the  Chris- 
tian fife,  keep  thyself  continually  in  the  fear  of  God. 
Love  not  licentious  freedom,  but  restrain  all  thy 
senses  within  strict  discipline,  and  guard  thy  spirit 
against  intemperate  mirth.     Give  up  thy  heart  to 


60  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

compunction,  and  thou  wilt  soon  feel  enkindled  in 
it  the  fire  of  devotion.  Compunction  opens  a  path 
to  infinite  good,  which  is  instantly  lost  by  dissipation 
and  merriment.  It  is  wonderful,  that  any  man 
should  rejoice  in  this  life,  who  considers  his  state  of 
banishment,  and  the  multitude  of  dangers  to  which 
he  is  continually  exposed  :  but  through  levity  of 
heart,  and  the  neglect  of  self-examination,  we  grow 
insensible  of  the  disorders  of  our  souls  ;  and  often 
vainly  laugh,  when  in  reason  we  ought  to  mourn. 
There  is,  however,  no  true  liberty,  nor  any  solid  joy, 
but  in  the  fear  of  God  united  with  a  pure  conscience. 

Blessed  is  the  man  who  can  throw  off  every  im- 
pediment of  trouble  and  dissipation,  and  recollect  his 
spirit  into  union  with  holy  compunction  !  Blessed 
is  he,  that  can  renounce  every  enjoyment  that  may 
defile  or  burden  his  conscience  !  Strive  manfully  ; 
one  custom  is  subdued  and  extirpated  by  another. 
If  thou  canst  divorce  thyself  from  men  and  their 
concerns,  they  will  soon  divorce  themselves  from 
thee,  and  leave  thee  to  do  the  work  of  thy  own  sal- 
vation in  peace. 

Perplex  not  thy  spirit,  therefore,  with  the  busi- 
ness of  others,  nor  involve  thyself  in  the  interests  of 
the  great.  Keep  thy  eye  continually  upon  thyself, 
as  its  chief  object.  Grieve  not  that  thou  dost  not 
enjoy  the  favor  of  men  ;  but  rather  grieve  that  thou 
hast  not  walked  with  that  holy  vigilance  and  self- 
denial  which  becomes  a  true  Christian,  and  a  de- 
voted servant  of  God. 

It  is  more  safe,  and  beneficial,  not  to  have  many 
consolations  in  the  present  Ufe,  especially  those  that 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  61 

are  carnal.  That  we  are  destitute,  however,  of 
spiritual  and  divine  consolation,  or  but  seldom  enjoy 
its  sweetness,  is  owing  to  ourselves  ;  because  we  de- 
sire not  compunction  of  heart,  nor  abandon  those 
consolations  that  are  external  and  vain.  Acknowl- 
edge thyself  not  only  unworthy  of  divine  consolation, 
but  worthy  rather  of  much  tribulation. 

When  a  man  feels  true  compunction,  the  pleas- 
ures and  honors  of  the  world  become  burdensome 
and  bitter,  and  he  finds  more  occasion  for  grief  and 
tears  than  for  hilarity  and  self-complacency  :  for 
whether  he  considers  himself,  or  thinks  of  others,  he 
knows,  that  no  man  lives  w^ithout  much  tribula- 
tion. The  more  he  considers  himself,  the  greater 
will  be  his  sorrow  ;  for  the  ground  of  true  sorrow, 
is  the  multitude  of  our  transgressions,  and  the  strong 
possession  that  sin  has  in  us ;  by  which  our  facul- 
ties are  so  subdued,  that  we  are  scarcely  ever 
able  to  contemplate  the  enjoyments  of  the  heavenly 
state. 

If  we  did  more  frequently  think  of  the  time  of 
death,  than  of  the  length  of  life,  we  would  undoubt- 
edly exert  more  ardent  resolution  in  resisting  the 
power  of  sin:  but  because  we  suffer  not  these  consid- 
erations to  impress  our  hearts,  but  turn  them  ofFby 
yielding  to  the  blandishments  of  sense,  we  remain, 
both  to  the  evil  of  our  fallen  state,  and  the  means  of 
redemption  from  it,  cold  and  insensible. 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


The  Consideration  of  Human  Misei-y. 

Wretched  art  thou,  wherever  thou  art  and  to 
whatever  thou  turnest,  unless  thou  turnest  to  God. 
Why  art  thou  troubled  because  the  events  of  life 
have  not  corresponded  with  thy  will  and  desire  ? 
Who  is  there  that  enjoyeth  all  things  according  to 
his  own  will  ?  There  is  no  human  being  without 
some  share  of  distress  and  anguish.  Whose  condi- 
tion, therefore,  is  the  best  ?  his,  surely,  who  is  ready 
to  suffer  any  atRiction  for  the  sake  of  God. 

Many  weak  and  ignorant  persons  say,  "  Behold, 
how  happy  a  state  does  that  man  enjoy  !  how  rich, 
how  great,  how  powerful  and  exalted  ! "  But  turn 
thy  attention  to  the  unfading  glories  and  unperish- 
ing  riches  of  eternity,  and  thou  wilt  perceive  that 
all  these  temporal  advantages  are  in  themselves  of  no 
value  ;  their  acquisition  and  continuance  are  uncer- 
tain, and  their  enjoyment  painful ;  for  they  are  nev- 
er possessed  without  solicitude  and  fear.  The  hap- 
piness of  man,  whose  real  wants  are  soon  and  easily 
supplied,  "  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the 
things  which  he  possesseth." 

The  more  spiritual  a  man  desires  to  he,  the  more 
bitter  does  he  find  the  present  life  ;  because  he  more 
sensibly  feels  in  himself,  and  more  clearly  discerns 
in  others,  the  depths  of  human  corruption.    To  eat 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  63 

and  drink,  to  wake  and  sleep,  to  labor  and  rest, 
and  to  be  subject  to  all  the  other  necessities  of  fallen 
nature,  must  needs  be  a  life  of  affliction  to  the  regen- 
erate man,  who  longs  "  to  be  dissolved,"  and  to  be 
free  from  sin,  and  the  occasions  of  sin. 

Miserable,  however,  are  all  who  have  not  this 
sense  of  the  corruption  and  misery  of  their  present 
life,  and  much  more  miserable  those  that  are  in  love 
with  it ;  ft)r  there  are  some  whose  attachment  to  it  is 
so  exceedingly  strong,  that  though  by  their  own  la- 
bor and  the  bounty  of  others,  they  are  scarcely  sup- 
plied with  common  necessaries,  yet  if  it  was  possible 
for  them  to  live  here  for  ages,  they  would  not  spend  a 
single  thought  on  the  kingdom  of  God.  O  infatuat- 
ed and  faithless  hearts,  that  are  so  deeply  sunk  in 
earth,  as  to  feel  no  desire  for  any  enjoyments  but 
those  that  are  carnal  !  Wretched  creatures  !  they 
will  in  the  end  bitterly  experience,  how  vain  and 
worthless  that  is  on  wliich  they  have  "  set  their 
affections." 

The  hour  of  distress  is  the  hour  of  victory.  Thou 
must  pass  through  fire  and  water,  before  thou  canst 
come  to  refreshment  and  rest.  Unless  thou  dost 
violence  to  thyself,  thou  wilt  never  subdue  sin. 
While  we  carry  about  us  this  corruptible  body,  we 
cannot  be  free  from  the  assaults  of  sin,  nor  live  with- 
out weariness  and  sorrow.  We  desire,  indeed,  to 
be  at  rest  from  all  misery  ;  but  as,  by  sin,  we  lost 
our  innocence,  so,  with  our  innocence,  we  lost  our 
true  happiness.  It  is,  therefore,  necessary  to  hold 
fast  our  patience,  and  wait  the  appointed  time  of 


64  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

God's  mercy,  till  this  iniquity,  and  the  calamities  of 
which  it  is  the  cause,  "  shall  be  overpast,  and  mor- 
tality be  swallowed  up  of  life." 

How  great  is  human  frailty,  for  ever  prone  to  evil ! 
To-day  we  confess  our  sins,  and  to-morrow  commit 
the  same  sins  again:  this  hour  we  resolve  to  be  vigi- 
lant, and  the  next,  act  as  if  we  had  never  resolved. 
What  reason,  therefore,  have  such  corrupt  and  un- 
stable creatures  to  be  continually  humble,  and  to  re- 
ject every  vain  opinion  of  their  own  strength  and 
goodness ! 

That  may  be  soon  lost  through  negligence,  which 
after  much  labor  we  have  at  length  scarcely  attained 
through  grace :  and  what  will  become  of  us  in  the  eve 
of  life,  if  we  grow  cool  and  languid  in  the  morning.^ 
Wo  be  to  us,  if  we  thus  turn  aside  to  repose  and  ease, 
as  if  all  were  peace  and  security ;  when  as  yet  there 
does  not  appear  a  single  footstep  of  true  holiness  in 
all  our  conduct ! 

We  have  still  need,  like  young  novitiates,  of  being 
again  instructed,  and,  by  severe  discipline,  formed  to 
holiness  ;  if  peradventure  any  hope  be  left  of  future 
amendment,  and  a  more  sure  advancement  towards 
the  perfection  of  the  spiritual  life. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  65 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

TJie  Meditation  of  Death. 

The  end  of  the  present  life  will  speedily  come  : 
consider,  therefore,  in  what  degree  of  preparation 
thou  standest  for  that  which  will  succeed.  To-day- 
man  is,  and  to-morrow  he  is  not  seen  ;  and  when  he 
is  once  removed  from  the  sight  of  others,  he  soon 
passeth  from  their  remembrance.  O  the  hardness 
and  insensibility  of  the  human  heart,  that  thinks 
only  on  present  concerns,  and  disregards  the  pros- 
pects of  futurity!  In  every  thought,  and  every  ac- 
tion, thou  shouldst  govern  and  possess  thy  spirit  as 
if  thou  wast  to  die  to-day  ;  and  were  thy  conscience 
pure,  thou  wouldst  not  fear  dissolution,  however 
near.  It  is  better  to  avoid  sin,  than  to  shun  death. 
If  thou  art  not  prepared  for  that  awful  event  to-day, 
how  wilt  thou  be  prepared  to-morrow  ^  To-morrow 
is  uncertain;  and  how  knowest  thou  that  to-morrow 
will  be  thine  i 

What  availeth  it  to  Uve  long,  when  the  improve- 
ment of  life  is  so  inconsiderable.-*  Length  of  days, 
instead  of  making  us  better,  often  increaseth  the 
weight  of  sin.  Would  to  God  that  we  could  live 
well  only  for  one  day !  Many  reckon  years  from 
the  time  of  their  conversion;  but  the  account  of 
their  attainments  in  holiness,  is  exceedingly  small. 
Therefore,  though  death  be  terrible,  yet  a  longei 
life  may  be  dangerous.  Blessed  is  the  man  who 
continually  anticipates  the  hour  of  his  death,  and 
keeps  himself  in  preparation  for  its  approach! 
6 


66  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

If  thou  hast  ever  seen  another  die,  let  not  the  im- 
{)ression  of  that  most  interesting  sight  be  effaced 
from  thy  heart ;  but  remember,  that  through  the 
same  vale  of  darkness  thou  also  must  pass.  When 
it  is  morning,  think  that  thou  mayst  not  live  till  the 
evening  ;  and  in  the  evening,  presume  not  to  promise 
thyself  another  morning.  Be,  therefore,  always 
ready ;  and  so  live  that  death  may  not  confound 
thee  at  its  summons. 

Ah  foolish  man  !  why  dost  thou  still  flatter  thy- 
self with  the  expectation  of  a  long  life,  when  thou 
canst  not  be  sure  of  a  single  day  .''  How  many  un- 
happy souls,  deluded  by  this  hope,  are  in  some  un- 
expected moment  separated  from  the  body  !  How 
often  dost  thou  hear,  that  one  is  slain,  another  is 
drowned,  another  by  falling  from  a  precipice  has 
broken  his  neck,  another  is  choked  in  eating,  anoth- 
er has  dropped  down  dead  in  the  exercise  of  some  fa- 
vorite diversion.  Thousands  are  daih'"  perishing  by 
fire,  by  sword,  by  plague, /or  by  robbers  !  Thus  is 
death  common  to  every  age  ;  and  man  suddenly  pas- 
seth  away  as  a  vision  of  the  night. 

Thou  too  mayst  die  suddenly  and  unexpectedly ; " 
"  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  son  of  man 
Cometh."  And  when  that  last  hour  is  come  to  thee, 
thou  wilt  begin  to  think  differently  of  thy  past  life, 
and  be  inexpressibly  grieved  for  thy  remissness  and 
inconsideration.  How  wise  and  happ}'-  is  the  man 
who  continually  endeavours  to  be  as  holy  in  the  day 
of  life,  as  he  wishes  to  be  found  in  the  hour  of  death  ! 
A  contempt  of  the  world,  an  ardent  desire  of  im- 
provement in  holiness,  cheerful  obedience,  selfdenial, 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  67 

and  the  patient  enduring  of  allliction  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  will  contribute  to  raise  a  pleasing  confidence 
of  dying  well. 

While  the  mind  is  invigorated  by  health  of  body, 
thou  wilt  be  able  to  do  much  towards  thy  purifica- 
tion ;  but  when  it  is  oppressed  and  debilitated  by 
sickness,  I  know  not  what  thou  canst  do.  Few 
spirits  are  made  better  by  the  pain  and  languor  of 
sickness. 

Let  not  the  example  of  thy  friends  and  relations, 
nor  any  confidence  in  the  superiority  of  their  wis- 
dom, influence  thee  to  defer  the  care  of  thy  salva- 
tion to  a  future  time  ;  for  all  men,  even  thy  friends 
and  relations  will  forget  thee  much  sooner  than 
thou  supposest.  It  is  better  to  "  provide  oil  for  thy 
lamp"  now,  before  it  is  wanted,  than  to  depend  up- 
on receiving  it  from  others  "  when  the  bridegroom 
Cometh  :"  for  if  thou  art  not  careful  of  thyself  now, 
who  can  be  careful  of  thee  hereafter,  when  time 
and  opportunity  are  ibr  ever  lost  ?  This  instant, 
NOW,  is  exceedingly  precious:  Now  is  the  "  acce})ted 
time,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation."  How  deplorable 
is  it,  not  to  improve  this  invaluable  moment,  in 
which  we  may  lay  hold  on  eternal  life !  A  time  will 
come,  when  thou  shalt  wish  for  one  day,  nay  one 
hour,  to  repent  in  ;  and  who  can  tell  whether  thou 
wilt  be  able  to  obtain  it  ? 

Awake  then,  and  behold  from  what  inconceivable 
danger  thou  mayst  now  be  delivered;  from  what 
horrible  fear  thou  mayst  now  be  rescued,  only  b}^ 
"  passing  the  time  of  thy  sojourning  in  holy  fear," 
and  in  continual  expectation  of  thy  removal  by 


68  IMITATION   OP    CHRIST. 

death.  Endeavour  now  to  live  in  such  a  man- 
ner, that  in  that  awful  moment  thou  mayst  rejoice 
rather  than  fear.  Learn  now  to  die  to  the  world, 
that  thou  mayst  then  begin  to  live  with  Christ 
Learn  now  to  despise  created  things,  that  being  de- 
livered from  every  encumbrance,  thou  mayst  then 
freely  rise  to  him.  Now  subdue  thy  earthly  and 
corruptible  body  by  penitence  and  sell-denial,  that 
then  thou  mayst  enjoy  the  glorious  hope  of  exchang- 
ing it  for  a  spiritual  and  immortal  body,  in  the  re- 
surrection of  the  just. 

Who  will  remember  thee  after  death,  and  whose 
prayer  can  then  avail  thee  ?  Now,  therefore,  O 
thou  that  readest  !  turn  to  God,  and  do  whatever 
his  Holy  Spirit  enables  thee  to  perform ;  for  thou 
knowest  not  the  hour  in  which  death  will  seize  thee, 
nor  canst  thou  conceive  the  consequences  of  its  seiz- 
ing thee  unprepared.  Now,  while  the  time  of  gath- 
ering riches  is  in  much  mercy  continued,  lay  up  for 
thyself  the  substantial  and  unperishing  treasures  of 
heaven.  Think  of  nothing  so  much  as  the  business 
of  thy  redemption,  and  the  improvement  of  thy  state 
before  God.  Now  "  make  to  thyself  friends"  of  the 
regenerate  and  glorified  sons  of  God,  that  when  thy 
present  Ufe  "  shall  fail,  they  may  receive  thee  into 
everlasting  habitations." 

Live  in  the  world  as  a  stranger  and  pilgrim  ;  and, 
knowing  that  thou  hast  "  here  no  continuing  city," 
keep  thy  heart  disengaged  from  earthly  passions  and 
pursuits,  and  lifted  up  to  heaven  in  the  patient  "  hope 
of  a  city  that  is  to  come,  whose  builder  and  maker  is 
God."     Thither  let  thy  daily  prayers,  thy  sighs,  and 


IMITATION    OP    CHRIST.  69 

tears,  be  directed  ;  that  after  death  thy  spirit  may 
be  wafted  to  the  Lord,  and  united  to  him  for  ever. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

The  Last  Judgment,  and  the  Punishment  of 
Sinners. 

In  all  thy  thoughts  and  desires,  thy  actions  and 
pursuits,  "  have  respect  to  the  end ;"  and  consider 
how  thou  wilt  appear  before  that  awful  Judge,  from 
whom  nothing  is  hidden,  who  is  not  to  be  perverted 
by  bribes,  nor  softened  by  excuses,  but  invariably 
judgeth  righteous  judgment.  O  most  wretched  and 
foolish  sinner,  thou  who  tremblest  before  the  face  of 
an  angry  man  that  is  ignorant  in  all  things  !  what 
wilt  thou  be  able  to  answer  unto  God,  who  know- 
eth  all  thy  sins,  and  searcheth  the  lowest  depths  of 
the  evil  that  is  in  thee  ?  Why  lookest  thou  not  for- 
ward, to  prepare  thyself  for  the  day  of  his  righteous 
judgments,  in  which  one  man  cannot  possibly  be  ex- 
cused or  defended  by  another,  but  every  one  "will 
have  as  much  as  he  can  answer,  in  answering  for* 
himself  ? 

The  patient  man  hath  in  this  world  a  true  and 
salubrious  purgatory ;  who,  when  he  is  injured,  is 
more  grieved  for  the  sin  of  the  offender,  than  for 
the  wrong  that  is  done  to  himself;  who  can  ardently 
pray  for  his  enemies,  and  from  his  heart  forgive 


70  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

their  ofiences  ;  wiio  feels  no  reluctance  to  ask  for- 
giveness of  others  ;  who  is  sooner  moved  to  com- 
passion, than  provoked  to  anger  ;  who  constantly 
denies  his  own  will,  and  endeavours  to  bring  the 
body  into  absolute  and  total  subjection  to  the  spirit. 
But  through  an  inordinate  love  for  the  indulgences 
of  corrupt  flesh  and  blood,  we  deceive  ourselves  into 
total  ignorance  and  negligence  with  respect  to  all  the 
interests  of  our  immortal  spirits. 

The  more  thou  now  indulgest  thyself,  and  gratifi- 
est  the  desires  of  the  flesh,  the  more  fuel  dost  thou 
heap  up  as  food  for  that  fire  wliich  is  never  quench- 
ed. The  pains  of  that  tremendous  state  will  arise 
from  the  nature  and  degree  of  every  man's  sins. 
There  the  spiritual  sluggard  shall  be  incessantly 
urged  with  burning  stings,  and  the  glutton  tortured 
with  inconceivable  hunger  and  thirst  :  there  the 
luxurious  and  voluptuous  shall  be  overwhelmed  with 
waves  of  flaming  pitch  and  horrid  sulphur  ;  the  envi- 
ous with  the  pain  of  disappointed  malignity,  shall 
howl  like  mad  dogs  :  the  proud  shall  be  filled  with 
shame,  and  the  covetous  straitened  in  inexpressible 
want.  One  hour  of  torment  there  will  be  more  in- 
supportable than  a  hundred  years  of  the  severest 
suflTerings  and  self-denial  in  this  life.  There  no  res- 
pite of  pain  no  consolation  of  sorrow  can  be  found; 
while  here  some  interaiission  of  labor,  some  comfort 
from  holy  friends,  is  not  incomj)atible  with  the 
most  rigorous  devotion. 

Be  now,  therefore,  solicitous  for  thy  redemption, 
and  afflicted  for  the  sins  that  oppose  it,  that  in  the 
day  of  judgment  thou  mayst  stand  securely  among 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  ^I 

the  blessetl.  Then  shall  he  rise  up  in  judgment,  who 
now  meekly  submits  to  the  judgment  ofothers ;  then 
the  humble  and  poor  in  spirit  shall  have  great  confi- 
dence, and  the  proud  shall  be  encompassed  with  fear 
on  every  side.  Then  it  will  be  evident  to  all,  that 
he  was  wise  in  this  world,  who  had  learned  to  be 
despised  as  a  Tool  for  the  love  of  Christ  :  the  remem- 
brance of  tribulation  patiently  endured  shall  become 
sweet,  and  '•  all  iniquity  shall  stop  her  mouth." 
Then  every  devout  man  shall  rejoice,  and  every  im- 
pious man  shall  mourn.  Then  shall  the  mortL^ed 
and  subdued  flesh  triumph  over  that  which  was 
pampered  in  ease  and  indulgence ;  the  coarse  gar- 
ment shall  shine,  and  the  soft  raiment  k^e  its  lustre; 
and  the  homely  cottage  shall  be  more  extolled  than 
the  gilded  palace.  Then  simple  obedience  shall  be 
more  highly  prized  than  refined  subtlety,  and  a  pure 
conscience  more  than  learned  philosophy  ;  the  con- 
tempt of  riches  shall  be  of  more  value  than  all  the 
treasures  of  worldly  men ;  and  thou  shalt  have 
greater  comtbrt  from  having  prayed  devoutly  every 
day,  than  from  ha\ing  fared  deliciously  ;  and  shalt 
more  rejoice  that  thou  hast  kept  silence  long,  than 
that  thou  hadst  talked  niuch.  Then  works  of  holi- 
ness shall  avail  thee  more  than  the  multitude  of  fine 
words  :  and  a  life  of  self-denial  shall  give  thee  more 
satisfaction  than  all  earthly  delights  could  bestow. 
Learn,  therefore,  now  to  sufier  under  afflictions 
comparatively  light,  that  thou  maj-st  be  deliver- 
ed from  sufierings  so  grievous.  Here  thou  mayst 
first  make  trial  how  much  there  thou  wilt  be  able 
to  sustain  :  for  if  thou  art  able  to  bear  but  little  now, 


72  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

how  wilt  thou  then  bear  such  amazing  and  lasting 
torments  ?  li*  only  a  slight  suffering  makes  thee  so 
impatient  now,  what  will  the  rage  of  hell  do  then  ? 
Behold  and  consider  !  thou  canst  not  have  a  double 
paradise  ;  thou  canst  not  enjoy  a  life  of  delight  and 
pleasure  upon  earth,  and  afterwards  reign  Avith  Christ 
in  heaven. 

If  to  this  very  day  thou  hadst  lived  in  honor  and 
pleasure,  what  would  it  avail,  if  thou  art  to  die  the 
next  moment  ?  All,  therefore,  is  vanity  but  the 
love  of  God,  and  a  life  devoted  to  his  will.  He  that 
loveth  God  with  all  his  heart,  fears  neither  death, 
nor  judgment,  nor  hell ;  because  "  perfect  love  cast- 
eth  out  fear,"  and  openeth  a  sure  and  immediate  ac- 
cess to  the  divine  presence.  But  it  is  "no  wonder, 
that  he,  who  still  loves  and  delights  in  sin,  should 
fear  both  death  and  judgment.  Yet,  if  thou  art  not 
to  be  withheld  from  sin  by  the  love  of  God,  at  least 
be  restrained  from  it  by  fear  ;  for  he  that  casts  be- 
hind him  the  fear  of  an  offended  God,  must  run  pre- 
cipitately into  every  snare  of  the  devil. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Zeal  in  the  Reformation  of  Life. 

Be  watchful  and  diligent  in  the  service  of  God  ; 
and  frequently  recollect,  that  thou  hast  left  the 
broad  way  of  the  world,  and  entered  into  the  narrow 
path  of  holiness,  that  thou  mightst  live  to  God,  and 


IMITATION    OP    CHRIST.  78 

become  a  spiritual  man.  With  incieasmg  ardor, 
"  press"  continually  "  towards  the  mark,"  and  ere 
long  thOQ  wilt  receive  "  the  prize  of  the  high  calling 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ;"  when  there  shall  be  "  no 
more  fear  nor  sorrow,  for  God  shall  wipe  all  tears 
from  our  eyes,"  and  take  away  all  trouble  from  our 
hearts.  Thus  will  a  short  life  of  inconsiderable  la- 
bor be  exchanged  for  an  everlasting  life,  not  only  of 
perfect  rest,  but  of  increasing  joy.  If  thou  con- 
tinue faithful  and  diligent  in  laboring,  God  doubtless 
will  be  faithful  and  rich  in  recompensing.  Main- 
tain therefore,  a  comfortable  hope,  that  in  the  end 
thou  shalt  inherit  the  crown  of  victory  ;  only  beware 
of  security,  lest  it  betray  thee  into  sloth  or  presump- 
tion. 

Suppose  a  person  deeply  perplexed  about  the  state 
of  his  soul,  continually  fluctuating  between  hope 
and  fear,  and  overwhelmed  with  grief,  were  to  re- 
peatedly utter  this  wish:  "  O  that  I  certainly  knew 
that  I  should  be  able  to  persevere  !  "  He  might  be 
answered  thus:  "And  what  wouldst  thou  do,  if  this 
certain  knowledge  were  bestowed  upon  thee  .''  Do 
now,  that  which  thou  wouldst  then  do,  and  rest  se- 
cure of  thy  perseverance."  If,  comforted  and  estab- 
lished by  this  answer,  he  should  resign  himself  to  the 
divine  disposal,  his  perplexity  and  distress  would 
soon  be  removed.  Instead  of  indulging  anxious  in- 
quiries into  the  future  condition  of  our  soul,  we 
should  apply  ourselves  wholly  to  know  what  was 
"  the  good  and  acceptable  will  of  God,"  as  the  on- 
ly principle  and  perfection  of  every  good  work. 
"  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good,"  saith  the  royal 
7 


74  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

prophet ;  ""  so  shall  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  be 
fed  "  with  the  riches  of  his  grace. 

The  principal  obstacle  to  the  reformation  and  im- 
provement of  life,  is  dread  of  the  difficulty  and  labor 
of  the  contest.  Only  they  make  eminent  advances 
in  holiness,  who  resolutely  endeavour  to  conquer  in 
those  things  that  are  most  disagreeable  and  most 
opposite  to  their  appetites  and  desires ;  and  then 
chiefly  does  a  man  most  advance  to  higher  degrees  of 
the  grace  of  God,  when  he  most  overcomes  himself, 
and  most  mortifies  his  own  spirit. 

But  though  all  men  have  not  the  same  degree  of 
evil  to  overcome,  yet  a  diligent  Christian,  zealous  of 
good  works,  who  has  more  and  stronger  passions  to 
subdue,  Aviil  be  able  to  make  a  greater  progress  than 
he  that  is  inwardly  calm,  and  outwardly  regular,  but 
less  ierv^ent  in  the  pursuit  of  holiness. 

Two  things  are  highly  useful  to  perfect  amend- 
ment: to  withdraw  from  those  sinful  gratifications 
to  which  nature  is  most  inclined,  and  to  labor  after 
that  virtue  in  which  we  are  most  deficient.  Be  par- 
ticularly careful  also  to  avoid  those  tempers  and  ac- 
tions that  chiefly  and  most  frequently  displease  the© 
in  others.  AVherever  thou  art,  turn  every  thing  to 
an  occasion  of  improvement:  if  thou  behold  or  hear 
of  good  examples,  let  them  kindle  in  thee  an  ardent 
desire  of  imitation;  ifthouseest  anything  blamable, 
beware  of  doing  it  thyself;  or  if  thou  hast  done  it, 
endeavour  to  amend  it  the  sooner.  As  thy  eye  ob- 
serveth,  and  thy  judgment  censureth  others,  so  art 
hou  observed  and  censured  by  them. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  75 

The  zealous  and  watchful  Christian  bears  patient- 
ly, and  performs  cheerrully,  whatever  is  command- 
ed: but  he  thai  is  cold  atid  negligent  suffers  tribula- 
tion upon  tribulation,  and  of  all  men  is  most  misera- 
ble; for  he  is  destitute  of  inward  and  spiritual  com- 
fort, and  to  that  which  is  outward  and  carnal,  he  ia 
forbidden  to  have  recourse.  He  that  obstinately 
throws  off  the  restraints  of  Christ's  easy  yoke,  is 
not  only  in  danger  of  irrecoverable  ruin,  but  will 
find  himself  deceived  in  the  expectation  of  a  life  of 
relaxation  and  liberty;  for  restraint,  opposition,  and 
disgust,  will  perpetually  arise,  wherever  he  turns 
the  imaginations  and  desires  of  his  heart. 

Consider  the  spiritual  life  of  the  apostles  and  first 
followers  of  Christ,  as  the  object  of  thy  imitation; 
and  doubt  not  but  the  mercy  of  God,  to  all  that  turn 
the  desire  of  their  heart  to  Him,  will  enable  thee  to 
follow  it.  In  this  path  thou  mayst  go  forward  with 
increasing  hope  and  strength;  and,  in  this  path,  thou 
wilt  approach  heaven  with  such  speedy  steps,  as  soon 
to  despise  and  forget  all  human  strength,  consola- 
tion, and  dependence. 

When  a  man  is  so  far  advanced  in  the  Christian 
life,  as  not  to  seek  consolation  from  any  created 
thing,  then  does  he  first  begin  perfectly  to  enjoy 
God  ;  then,  "  in  whatever  state  he  is,  he  will  there- 
with be  content ;"  then,  neither  can  prosperity  exalt, 
nor  adversity  depress  him  ;  but  his  heart  is  wholly 
fixed  and  established  in  God,  who  is  his  All  in  All ; 
with  respect  to  whom,  nothing  perisheth,  nothing 
dieth  ;  but  all  things  live  to  his  glory,  and  are  con» 
tinually  subservient  to  his  blessed  will. 


70  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

Be  alwajrs  mindful  of  the  great  end  of  temporary 
nature  ;  and  remember,  that  time  once  lost  will 
never  return.  Without  perpetual  watchfulness  and 
diligence,  holiness  can  never  be  attained ;  for  the 
moment  thou  beginnest  to  relax  in  these,  thou  wilt 
feel  inward  imbecility,  disorder,  and  disquietude. 

If  thou  press  forward  with  unabated  fervor,  thou 
shalt  find  strength  and  peace ;  and,  through  the 
mercy  of  God,  and  the  love  of  holiness  which  his 
grace  hath  inspired,  wilt  perceive  "  thy  yoke "  be- 
come daily  "  more  eas}^,  and  thy  burden  more  light." 
Reflect,  that  it  is  only  the  fervent  and  diligent  soul 
that  is  prepared  for  all  duty  and  for  all  events  ;  that 
it  is  greater  toil  to  resist  evil  habits  and  violent  pas- 
sions, than  to  sweat  at  the  hardest  labor ;  that  he 
who  is  not  careful  to  resist  and  subdue  small  sins, 
will  insensibly  fall  into  greater  ;  and  that  thou  shalt 
always  have  joy  in  the  evening,  if  thou  hast  spent 
the  day  well.  Watch  over  thyself,  therefore;  excite 
and  admonish  thyself;  and  whatever  is  done  by 
others,  do  not  neglect  thyself  Thou  wilt  make 
advances  in  imitating  the  life  of  Christ,  in  propor- 
tion to  the  violence  with  which  thou  deniest  thyself. 
Amen. 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


BOOK  SECOND. 

INSTRUCTIONS    FOR  THE  MORE  INTIMATE    ENJOYMENT 
OF  THE   SPIRITUAL  LIFE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Internal  Conversation. 

"  The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you,"  saith  our 
blessed  Redeemer.  Abandon,  therefore,  the  cares 
and  pleasures  of  this  wretched  world,  and  turn  to  the 
Lord  with  all  thy  heart,  and  thy  soul  shall  find  rest. 
If  thou  withdrawest  thy  attention  from  outward 
things,  and  keepest  it  fixed  upon  what  passeth  with- 
in thee,  thou  wilt  soon  perceive  the  "  coming  of  the 
kingdom  of  God  ;"  for  "  the  kingdom  of  God  is  that 
peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,"  which  cannot  be 
received  by  sensual  and  worldly  men.  All  the  glory 
and  beauty  of  Christ  are  manifested  within,  and  there 
he  delights  to  dwell;  his  visits  there  are  frequent,  his 
condescension  amazing,  his  conversation  sweet,  his 
comforts  refreshing,  and  the  peace  that  he  brings 
passeth  all  understanding. 


78  IMITATION    OF   CHRIST. 

O  faithful  soul,  dispose  thy  heart  for  the  reception 
of  this  Bridegroom,  who  will  not  fail  to  fulfil  the 
promise  which  he  hath  made  thee  in  these  words: 
"  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words:  and  my 
Father  will  love  him;  and  we  will  come  unto  him, 
and  make  our  abode  with  him."  Give,  therefore, 
free  admission  to  Christ,  and  exclude  all  others  as 
intruders.  When  thou  possessest  Christ,  thou  art 
rich,  and  canst  want  no  other  treasure:  he  will  pro- 
tect thee  so  powerfully,  and  proWde  for  thee  so  lib- 
erally, that  thou  wilt  no  more  have  need  to  depend 
on  the  caprice  of  men.  Men  are  changeable  and 
evanescent  as  "  the  morning  cloud :"  but  Christ 
abidelh  eternally,  and  in  him  the  fountain  of  strength 
and  peace  will  flow  for  ever. 

Thou  must  not  place  any  confidence  in  frail  and 
mortal  men,  however  endeared  by  reciprocal  affec- 
tion or  offices  of  kindness:  nor  art  thou  to  be  griev- 
ed, when,  from  some  change  in  their  temper,  they 
become  unfriendly  and  injurious;  for  men  are  incon- 
stant as  the  wind,  and  he  that  is  for  thee  to-day,  may 
to-morrow  be  against  thee.  But  place  thy  whole 
confidence  in  God,  and  let  him  be  all  thy  fear,  and 
all  thy  love  :  He  will  answer  for  thee  against  the 
great  accuser,  and  do  that  which  is  most  conducive 
to  thy  deliverance  from  evil. 

Here  thou  hast  "  no  continuing  city  ;"  and  what- 
ever be  thy  situation,  thou  art  "  a  stranger  and  a  pil- 
grim," and  canst  never  obtain  rest  till  thou  art  unit- 
ed to  Christ.  Why,  then,  dost  thou  stand  gazing 
about  the  earth,  when  the  earth  is  not  the  seat  of  thy 
repose.''    Thy  proper  dwelling-place  is  heaven  ;  and 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  79 

earthly  objects  are  only  to  be  transiently  viewed  as 
thou  travellest  to  ii;  they  are  all  hurried  away  in  the 
resistless  current  of  time,  and  thy  earthly  life  with 
them;  beware,  therefore,  of  adhering  to  them,  lest 
thou  be  hound  in  their  chains,  and  perish  in  their 
ruin.  Let  thy  thoughts  dwell  with  the  Most  High, 
and  thy  desire  and  prayer  ascend  without  intermis- 
sion to  Christ. 

Christ  was  rejected  of  men  ;  and,  in  the  extremity 
of  distress,  forsaken  by  his  disciples  and  friends. 
He  chose  to  suffer  thus,  and  to  be  thus  deserted  and 
despised  ;  and  dost  thou  complain  of  injury  and  con- 
tempt from  others  ?  Christ  had  enemies  and  slan- 
derers ;  wilt  thou  have  all  men  to  be  thy  friends  and 
admirers  ?  How  can  thy  patience  be  crowned  in 
heaven,  if  thou  have  no  adversity  to  struggle  with 
on  earth  ?  Canst  thou  be  the  friend  and  follower 
of  Christ,  and  not  the  partaker  of  his  sufferings  ? 
Thou  must,  therefore,  suffer  with  Christ,  and  lor 
his  sake,  if  thou  indeed  desirest  to  reign  with  him. 
If  thou  hadst  but  once  "  known  the  fellowship  of 
the  sufferings  of  Jesus,"  and  been  sensible,  though 
in  a  small  degree,  of  the  divine  ardor  of  his  love, 
thou  wouldst  be  more  indifferent  about  thy  own 
personal  share  in  the  good  and  evil  of  the  present 
Ufe  ;  and  far  from  courting  the  favor  and  applause  of 
men,  wouldst  rather  rejoice  to  meet  with  their  re- 
proach and  scorn,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus.  He  that 
loves  Jesus,  who  is  the  Truth,  and  is  delivered  from 
the  slavery  of  inordinate  desire,  can  always  freely 
turn  to  God  ;  and  raising  himself  in  spirit  above 


OU  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

himself,  enjoy  some  portion  of  the  blessed  repose  of 
heaven. 

That  man  is  truly  wise,  and  taught  not  of  men, 
but  of  God,  who  perceiveth  and  judgeth  of  things 
as  they  are  in  themselves,  ,and  not  as  they  are  dis- 
tinguished by  names  and  general  estimation.  He 
that  has  known  the  power  of  the  spiritual  life,  and 
withdrawn  his  attention  from  the  perishing  interests 
of  the  world,  is  not  dependent  on  time  or  place  for 
the  exercise  of  devotion.  He  can  soon  recollect  him- 
self, because  he  is  never  wholly  engaged  by  sensible 
objects.  His  tranquillity  is  not  interrupted  by  bodi- 
ly labor  or  inevitable  business,  but  with  calmness 
he  accommodates  himself  to  events  as  they  take 
place.  He  is  not  moved  by  the  capricious  humors 
and  perverse  behavior  of  men  ;  amd  constant  expe- 
rience has  convinced  him,  that  the  soul  is  no  further 
obstructed  and  disturbed  in  its  progress  towards  per- 
fection, than  as  it  is  under  the  ])Ower  and  influence 
of  the  present  life. 

If  the  frame  of  thy  spirit  was  in  right  order,  and 
thou  wert  inwardly  pure,  all  outward  things  would 
conduce  to  thy  improvement  in  holiness,  and  work 
together  for  thy  everlasting  good  :  and  because  thou 
art  disgusted  by  a  thousand  objects,  and  disturbed 
by  a  thousand  events,  it  is  evident,  that  thou  art 
not  yet  "crucified  to  the  world,  nor  the  world  to 
thee."  Nothing  entangles  and  defiles  the  heart  so 
much,  as  the  inordinate  love  of  creatures.  If  thou 
canst  abandon  the  hope  of  consolation  in  the  enjoy- 
ments of  earthly  and  sensual  life,  thou  wilt  soon  be 
able  to  contemplate  the  glory  and  blessedness  of 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  81 

the  heavenly  state  ;  and  wilt  frequently  partake  of 
that  spiritual  consolation,  which  the  world  can 
neither  give  nor  take  away. 

CHAPTER  11. 

Submission  to  Reproof  and  Shame. 

Regard  not  much  what  man  is  for  thee,  or  who 
against  thee ;  but  let  it  be  thy  principal  concern, 
that  God  may  be  with  thee  in  every  purpose  and 
action  of  life.  Keep  thy  conscience  pure,  and  God 
will  be  thy  continual  defence  ;  and  him  whom  God 
defends,  the  malice  of  man  hath  no  power  to  hurt. 
If  thou  hast  learned  to  suffer  in  silent  and  persever- 
ing patience,  thou  shalt  certainly  see  the  salvation 
of  the  Lord  :  he  knows  the  most  pwper  season  for 
thy  deliverance,  and  will  administer  the  most  effectu- 
al means  to  accomplish  it ;  and  to  his  blessed  w^ill 
thou  shouldst  always  be  perfectly  resigned.  It  is 
the  prerogative  of  God  to  give  help  under  every 
trouble,  and  deliverance  from  all  dishonor. 

It  is  useful  for  preserving  the  humility  of  our 
spirit,  that  other  men  should  know  and  reprove  our 
manifold  transgressions :  and  in  cases  of  injury  among 
brethren,  the  more  humble  the  acknowledgement  of 
the  offence  is,  the  more  effectually  will  the  offended 
person  be  appeased  and  reconciled. 

The  humble  man  God  protects  and  delivers  ;  the 
humble  he  loves  and  comforts ;  to  the  humble  he 
condescends  ;  on  the  humble  he  bestows  more  abun- 


83  IMITATION   OF  CHRIST. 

dant  measures  of  his  grace,  and  after  his  humiliation, 

exalts  him  to  glory ;  to  the  humble  he  reveals  the 
mysteries  of  redemption,  and  sweetly  invites  and 
powerfully  draws  him  to  himself.  The  humble 
man,  though  surrounded  with  the  scorn  and  reproach 
of  the  world,  is  still  in  peace;  for  the  stability  of 
his  peace  resteth  not  upon  the  world,  but  upon  God. 
Do  not  think  that  thou  hast  made  any  progress 
towards  perfection,  till  thou  feelest  that  thou  art 
"  less  than  the  least  of  all "  human  beings.* 

*  "  Though  you  may  know  abundance  of  people  to  be 
guilty  of  some  gross  sins,  with  which  you  cannot  charge 
yourself ;  yet  you  may  justly  condemn  yourself  as  the 
greatest  sinner  that  you  know.  And  that  for  these  fol- 
lowing reasons : — 

First,  Because  you  know  more  of  the  folly  of  your 
own  heart,  than  you  do  of  other  people's  ;  and  can  charge 
yourself  with  various  sins,  that  you  only  know  of  your- 
self, and  cannot  be  sure  that  other  sinners  are  guilty  of 
them.  So  that  as  you  know  more  of  the  folly,  the  base- 
ness, the  pride,  the  deceitfulness,  and  negligence  of  your 
own  heart,  than  you  do  of  any  one's  else,  so  you  have 
just  reason  to  consider  yourself  as  the  greatest  sinner 
that  you  know;  because  you  know  more  of  the  greatness 
of  your  own  sins  than  you  do  of  other  people's. 

Secondly,  The  greatness  of  our  guilt  arises  chiefly 
from  the  greatness  of  God's  goodness  towards  us  ;  from 
the  particular  graces  and  blessings,  the  favors,  the  lights, 
and  instructions  that  we  have  received  from  him.  Every 
sinner  knows  more  of  these  aggravations  of  his  own 
guilt,  than  he  does  of  other  people's  ;  and  consequently, 
may  justly  look  upon  himself  to  be  the  greatest  sinner 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  88 


CHAPTER  III. 

Peacefalness. 

First  have  peace  in  thy  own  breast,  then  thou 
wilt  be  qualified  to  restore  peace  to  others.  Peace- 
fulness  is  a  more  useful  acquisition  than  learning. 
The  wrathful  and  turbulent  man,  who  is  always 
ready  to  impute  wrong,  turns  even  good  into  evil ; 

that  he  knows.  How  good  God  has  been  to  other  sin- 
ners, what  light  and  instruction  he  has  vouchsafed  to 
them,  what  blessings  and  graces  they  have  received 
from  him,  how  often  he  has  touched  their  hearts  with 
holy  inspirations,  you  cannot  tell.  But  all  this  you  know 
of  yourself  ;  therefore  you  know  greater  aggravations 
of  your  own  guilt,  and  are  able  to  charge  yourself  with 
greater  ingratitude  than  you  can  charge  upon  other 
people.  This  is  the  reason  why  the  greatest  saints 
have  in  all  ages  condemned  themselves  as  the  greatest 
sinners. 

In  order  therefore  to  know  your  own  guilt,  you  must 
consider  your  own  particular  circumstances  ;  your  health, 
your  sickness,  your  youth  or  age,  your  particular  call- 
ing, the  happiness  of  your  education,  the  degrees  of 
light  and  instruction  that  you  have  received,  the  good 
men  that  you  have  conversed  with,  the  admonitions  that 
you  have  had,  the  good  books  that  you  have  read,  the 
numberless  multitude  of  divine  blessings,  graces,  and  fa- 
vors that  you  have  received,  the  good  motions  of  grace 
that  you  have  resisted,  the  resolutions  of  amendment 
that  you  have  often  broken,  and  the  checks  of  conscience 


84  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

the  peaceful  man  turns  all  things  into  good.  He 
that  is  discontented  and  j.^roud,  is  tormented  with 
jealousy  of  every  kind  :  he  has  no  rest  himself,  and 
will  allow  none  to  others  ;  he  speaks  what  he  ought 
to  suppress,  and  suppresses  what  he  ought  to  speak ; 
he  is  watchful  in  observing  the  duty  of  others,  and 
negligent  with  respect  to  his  own.  But  let  thy 
zeal  be  exercised  in  thy  oivn  reformation,  before  it 
attempts  the  reformation  of  thy  neighbour. 

Some  are  very  skilful  and  ingenious  in  palliating 
and  excusing  their  own  evil  actions,  but  cannot 
frame  an  apology  for  the  actions  of  others,  nor  ad- 
mit it  when  it  is  offered.  If  thou  desirest  to  be 
borne  with,  bear  with  others.  O  consider,  at  what 
a  dreadful  distance  thou  standest  from  that  charity 
which  "  hopeth,  believeth,  and  beareth  all  things  ;" 
and  from  that  humility  which,  in  a  truly  contrite 
heart,  knows  no  indignation  nor  resentment  against 
any  being  but  itself. 

It  is  so  far  fi'om  being  difficult  to  live  in  peace 
with  the  gentle  and  the  good,  that  it  is  highly  grate- 
ful to  all  that  are  inclined  to  peace  ;  for  we  naturally 

that  you  have  disregarded.  Perhaps  the  person  so  odi- 
ous in  your  eyes,  would  have  been  much  better  than 
you  are,  had  he  been  altogether  in  your  circumstances, 
and  receiv(5d  all  the  same  favors  and  graces  from  God 
that  you  have. 

This  is  a  very  humbling  reflection,  and  very  proper 
for  those  people  to  make,  who  measure  their  virtue  by 
comparing  the  outward  course  of  their  lives  with  that 
of  other  people's." 

Law's  Serious  Call  to  a  Devout  and  Holy  Life, 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  85 

love  those  most,  whose  sentiments  and  dispositions 
correspond  most  with  our  own.  But  to  maintain 
peace  with  the  churlish  and  perverse,  the  irregular 
and  impatient,  and  those  that  most  contradict  and  op- 
pose our  opinions  and  desires,  is  a  heroic  and  glorious 
attainment.  Some  preserve  the  peace  of  their  own 
breasts,  and  live  in  peace  with  all  about  them  ;  and 
some,  having  no  peace  in  themselves,  are  continually 
employed  in  disturbing  the  peace  of  others  :  they  are 
the  tormentors  of  their  brethren,  and  still  more  the 
tormentors  of  their  own  hearts.  There  are  also 
some,  who  not  only  retain  their  own  peace,  but  make 
it  their  business  to  restore  peace  to  the  contentious. 
After  all,  the  most  perfect  peace  to  which  we  can 
attain  in  this  miserable  life,  consists  rather  in  meek 
and  patient  suffering,  than  in  an  exemption  from  ad- 
versity ;  and  he  that  has  most  learned  to  suffer,  will 
certainly  possess  the  greatest  share  of  peace  :  he  is 
the  conqueror  of  himself,  the  lord  of  the  world,  the 
friend  of  Christ,  and  the  heir  of  heaven  ! 


CHAPTER  rV. 

Simplicity  and  Purity. 

Simplicity  and  purity  are  the  two  wings  with 
which  man  soars  above  earth  and  all  temporary 
nature.  Simplicity  is  in  the  intention :  purity  is  in  the 
affection  :  simplicity  turns  to  God,  purity  enjoys  him. 

No  good  action  will  be  difficult  and  painful,  if 


86  IMITATION   OP    CHRIST. 

thou  art  free  from  inordinate  affection  :  and  tliig 
internal  freedom  thou  wilt  enjoy,  wnen  it  is  tne  one 
simple  intention  of  thy  mind  to  obey  the  will  of 
God,  and  do  good  to  thy  fellow  creatures. 

If  thy  heart  was  rightly  disposed,  every  creature 
would  be  a  book  of  divine  knowledge  :  a  mirror  of 
life,  in  which  thou  mightst  contemplate  the  eternal 
power  and  beneficence  of  the  Author  of  Life  ;  for 
there  is  no  creature,  however  small  and  abject,  that 
is  not  a  monument  of  the  goodness  of  God.  Such 
as  is  the  frame  of  the  spirit,  such  is  its  judgment  of 
outward  things.  If  thou  hadst  simplicity  and  purity, 
thou  wouldst  be  able  to  comprehend  things  without 
error,  and  behold  them  without  danger:  the  pure 
heart  safely  surveys  not  only  heaven,  but  hell. 

If  there  be  joy  in  this  world,  who  possesses  it 
more  than  the  pure  in  heart  ?  And  if  there  be  tribu- 
lation and  anguish,  who  suffers  them  more  than  the 
wounded  spirit  ? 

As  iron  cast  into  the  fire  is  purified  from  its  rust, 
and  becomes  bright  as  the  fire  itself;  so  the  soul 
that  in  simplicity  and  purity  adheres  to  God,  is  de- 
livered from  the  corruption  of  animal  nature,  and 
changed  into  the  "  new  man ;"  formed  "  after  the 
image  of  him  that  created  him." 

Those  who  suffer  the  desire  of  perfection  to  grow 
cold  and  languid,  are  terrified  at  the  most  inconsid- 
erable difficulties,  and  soon  driven  back  to  seek  con- 
solation in  the  enjoyments  of  sensual  life.  But 
those,  in  whom  that  desire  is  kept  alive  and  invigo- 
rated by  continual  self-denial,  and  a  steady  perse* 
verance  in  that  narrow  path  in  which  Christ  has  calt 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  87 

ed  us  to  follow  him,  find  every  step  they  take  more 
and  more  easy,  and  feel  those  labors  light  that  were 
once  thought  insurmountable. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Consideration  of  Ourselves. 

We  ought  to  place  but  little  confidence  in  our- 
selves, because  the  light  we  have  is  small.  We  are 
often  insensible  of  our  inward  darkness ;  and  are 
impelled  by  passion,  which  we  mistake  for  zeal.  We 
severely  reprove  little  failings  in  our  brethren,  and 
pass  over  enormous  sins  in  ourselves ;  we  quickly 
feel,  and  perpetually  brood  over,  the  sufferings  that 
are  brought  upon  us  by  others,  but  have  no  thought 
of  what  others  suffer  from  us.  We  should  prefer 
to  all  other  cares,  the  care  of  our  own  improvement ; 
and  if  strictly  watchful  over  our  own  conduct,  will 
be  silent  about  the  conduct  of  others.  But  to  the 
divine  life  of  the  spiritual  man  we  will  never  attain, 
unless  w^e  can  withdraw  our  attention  from  all  per- 
sons, and  the  concerns  of  all,  and  fix  it  upon  selC 

Tell  me,  if  thou  canst,  where  thou  hast  beea 
wandering,  when  thou  art  absent  from  thy  own 
breast :  and  after  thou  hast  run  about,  and  taken  a 
hasty  view  of  the  actions  and  affairs  of  men,  what 
advantage  bringest  thou  home  to  thy  neglected  and 
forsaken  self?  He  that  desires  peace  of  heart,  must 
cast  irrelevant  things  behind  him,  and  keep  God  and 


83  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

his  own  spirit  in  his  view.  As  thy  progress  to  per- 
fection depends  much  upon  thy  freedom  from  the 
cares  and  pleasures  of  the  world,  it  must  be  propor- 
tionably  obstructed  by  whatever  degree  of  value 
they  have  in  thy  affections.  Abandon,  therefore, 
all  hope  of  consolation  from  created  things,  not  only 
as  vain  but  dangerous ;  and  esteem  nothing  truly 
honorable,  pleasing,  great,  and  worthy  the  desire  of 
an  immortal  spirit,  but  God,  and  that  which  imme- 
diately tends  to  the  improvement  of  thy  state  in 
him.  The  soul  that  truly  loves  God,  despises  all 
that  is  inferior  to  Him.  It  is  God  alone,  the  Infi- 
nite and  Eternal,  who  filleth  all  things,  that  is  the 
life,  light,  and  peace,  ol"  all  blessed  spirits. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Joy  of  a  good  Conscience. 

The  "  rejoicing  "  of  a  good  man  is  "  the  testimony 
of  a  good  conscience."  A  pure  conscience  is  the 
ground  of  perpetual  exultation  :  it  will  support  us 
under  the  severest  trials,  and  enable  us  to  rejoice  in 
the  depths  of  adversity  ;  but  an  evil  conscience,  in 
every  state  of  life,  is  full  of  disquietude  and  fear. 
Thou  wilt  enjoy  tranquillity,  if  thy  heart  condemn 
thee  not.  Therefore  do  not  hope  to  rejoice  but 
when  thou  hast  done  well.  The  wicked  cannot 
have  true  joy,  nor  taste  of  inward  peace ;  for  "  there 
is  no  peace  to  the  wicked,"  saith  the  Lord ;  "but 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST,  99 

they  are  like  the  troubled  sea  when  it  cannot  rest, 
whose  waters  cast  up  mire  and  dirt."  If  they  say, 
"  We  are  in  peace  ;  no  evil  shall  come  upon  us  ;  and 
who  will  dare  to  hurt  us  ?"  believe  them  not ;  for 
the  anger  of  the  Lord  will  suddenly  rise  up  within 
them  ;  their  boasting  shall  vanish  like  smoke,  and 
the  thoughts  of  their  hearts  shall  perish. 

To  "  glory  in  tribulation,"  is  not  difficult  to  him 
that  glories  "  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
That  glory  which  is  given  and  received  among  men 
comes  with  fear  and  envy,  and  vanishes  in  disap- 
pointment and  regret.  The  glory  of  the  just  is  pro- 
claimed by  the  voice  of  conscience,  and  not  by  the 
mouth  of  men  :  their  joy  is  from  God,  and  in  God  ; 
and  their  rejoicing  is  founded  in  truth.  He  that  as- 
pires after  true  and  eternal  glory,  values  not  that 
which  is  temporal ;  and  he  that  seeks  after  the  glory 
of  the  earth,  proves  that  he  neither  loves  nor  con- 
siders the  eternal  glory  of  heaven. 

He  only  can  have  great  tranquillity,  whose  hap- 
piness depends  not  on  the  praise  and  dispraise  of  men. 
If  thy  conscience  was  pure,  thou  wouldst  be  content- 
ed in  every  condition,  and  undisturbed  by  the  opin- 
ions and  reports  of  men  concerning  thee;  for  their 
commendations  can  add  nothing  to  thy  holiness,  nor 
their  censures  take  anything  from  it  :  what  thou  art, 
thou  art ;  nor  can  the  praise  of  the  whole  world 
make  thee  greater  in  the  sight  of  God.  The  more, 
therefore,  thy  attention  is  fixed  upon  the  true  state 
of  thy  spirit,  the  less  wilt  thou  regard  what  is  said 
of  thee  in  the  world.  Men  look  only  on  the  face, 
but  "  God  searcheth  the  heartj"  men  consider  only 
8 


90  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

the  outward  act,  but  God  the  principle  from  which 
it  springs. 

To  think  of  having  done  well  without  self-esteem, 
is  an  evidence  of  true  humility  ;  as  it  is  our  evidence 
of  great  faith,  to  abandon  the  hope  of  consolation 
from  created  things.  He  that  seeks  not  witness  for 
himself  among  men,  shows  that  he  has  committed  his 
whole  state  to  God,  and  has  the  witness  in  his  own 
breast:  for  it  is  "  not  he  who  commendeth  himself," 
nor  he  who  is  commended  by  others,  that  "  is 
approved  ; "  but  him  only,  saith  the  blessed  Paul. 
"  whom  God  commendeth." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Jesus  to  be  loved  above  all. 

Blessed  is  he  who  knows  what  it  is  to  love  Je- 
sus, and  for  his  sake  to  despise  himself  To  pre- 
serve this  love,  we  must  relinquish  the  love  of  self, 
and  all  creatures  ;  for  Jesus  A\dll  be  loved  alone. 
The  love  of  the  creatures  is  deceitful  and  unstable  ; 
the  love  of  Jesus  is  faithful  and  permanent.  He 
that  adheres  to  any  creature,  must  fail  when  the 
creature  fails  ;  but  he  that  adheres  to  Jesus,  will 
be  established  with  him  for  ever.  Cherish  his  love, 
who,  though  the  heavens  and  the  earth  should  be 
dissolved,  will  not  forsake  thee,  nor  suffer  thee  to  per- 
ish. Thou  must  one  day  be  separated  from  all  that 
thou  seest  and  lovest  among  created  things,  whether 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  91 

thou  wilt  or  not :  living  and  dying,  therefore,  adhere 
to  Jesus,  and  securely  commit  thyself  to  his  faith- 
ful protection,  who,  when  nature  fails,  is  alone  able 
to  sustain  thee. 

Such  is  the  purity  of  thy  Beloved,  that  he  will  ad- 
mit of  no  rival  for  thy  love  ;  but  will  himself  have 
the  sole  possession  of  thy  heart,  and,  like  a  king,  reign 
there  with  sovereign  authority,  as  on  his  proper 
throne.  If  thy  heart  was  emptied  of  self-lov^c,  and 
of  the  love  of  creatures  whom  thou  lovest  only  for 
thy  own  sake,  Jesus  would  dwell  with  thee  con- 
tinually. But  whatever  love  thou  hast  for  men,  of 
which  Jesus  is  not  the  principle  and  end,  and  what- 
ever be  their  returns  of  love  to  thee,  thou  wilt  find 
both  to  be  utterly  vain  and  worthless.  O  place  not 
thy  confidence  in  man  ;  lean  not  upon  a  hollow  reed! 
for  "  all  fiesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  glory  of  man  as 
the  flower  of  grass  :  the  grass  wuthereth,  and  the 
flower  thereof  falleth  away." 

Of  men  thou  regardest  only  the  outward  appear- 
ance, and,  therefore,  art  soon  deceived ;  and  while 
thou  seekest  relief  and  comfort  from  them,  thou 
must  meet  with  disappointment  and  distress.  If  in 
all  things  thou  seekest  Jesus,  thou  Avilt  surely  find 
him  in  all ;  and  if  thou  seekest  thyself,  thou  wilt, 
indeed,  find  thyself,  but  to  thy  own  destruction. 
He  who  in  all  things  seeks  not  Jesus,  involves  him- 
self in  more  evil  than  the  world  and  all  enemies  could 
heapuDon  him. 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


The  Friendship  of  Jesus. 

When  Jesus  is  present,  all  is  well,  and  no  labor 
seems  difficult ;  but  when  he  is  absent,  the  least  ad- 
versity is  insupportable.  When  Jesus  is  silent,  all 
comfort  withers  ;  but  the  moment  he  speaks  again, 
the  soul  rises  from  her  distress.  Thus  Mary  rose 
hastily  from  the  place  where  she  sat  weeping  ibr 
the  death  of  Lazarus,  when  Martha  said  to  her, 
"  The  Master  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee."  Bles- 
sed is  the  hour  when  Jesus  calls  us  from  affliction 
and  tears,  to  partake  of  the  joys  of  his  Spirit  ! 

How  great  is  the  hardness  of  the  heart,  without 
Jesus  !  how  great  its  vanity  and  folly,  when  it  de- 
sireth  any  good  beside  him  !  Is  not  the  loss  of  him 
greater  than  the  loss  of  the  world  .''  for  what  can 
the  world  profit  without  Jesus  ?  To  be  without 
Jesus,  is  to  be  in  the  depths  of  hell :  to  be  with  him, 
is  to  be  in  Paradise,  While  Jesus  is  with  thee,  no 
enemy  hath  power  to  hurt  thee.  He  that  finds  Je- 
sus, finds  a  treasure  of  infinite  value,  a  good  tran- 
scending all  that  can  be  called  good  ;  and  he  that 
loseth  Jesus,  loseth  more  than  the  whole  world. 
That  man  only  is  poor  in  this  world,  who  lives  with- 
out Jesus  ;  and  that  man  only  is  rich,  with  whom 
Jesus  delights  to  dwell. 

It  requires  skill  to  converse  w^ith  Jesus,  and  wis- 
dom to  know  how  to  keep  him  ;  but  not  the  skill  of 
men,  nor  the  wisdom  of  this  world.     Be  humble  and 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  93 

peaceful,  and  Jesus  will  come  to  thee  ;  be  devout  and 
meek,  and  he  will  dwell  with  thee.  Without  a 
friend,  life  is  unenjoyed ;  and  unless  Jesus  be  thy 
friend,  infinitely  loved  and  preferred  above  all  others, 
life  will  be  to  thee  a  desolation.  It  is  madness  to 
confide  and  delight  in  any  other  :  rather  choose  that 
the  whole  world  should  combine  to  oppose  and  in- 
jure thee,  than  that  Jesus  should  be  offended  at  thy 
preferring  the  world  to  him.  Of  all  that  are  dear  to 
thee,  let  Jesus  be  the  peculiar  and  supreme  object 
of  thy  love.  Men,  even  those  to  whom  thou  art 
united  by  the  ties  of  nature  and  the  reciprocations 
of  friendship,  are  to  be  loved  only  for  the  sake  of  Je- 
sus ;  but  Jesus  is  to  be  loved  for  himself.  Jesus 
alone  is  to  be  loved  without  reserve,  and  without 
measure;  because,  of  all  that  we  can  possibly  love, 
he  alone  is  infinite  in  goodness  and  faithfulness.  For 
his  sake,  and  in  the  power  of  his  love,  enemies  are 
to  be  dear  to  thee,  as  well  as  friends  ;  and  let  it  be 
thy  continual  prayer,  even  for  thy  enemies,  that  all 
men  may  be  blest  with  the  knowledge  and  love  of 
him. 

Desire  not  to  be  admired  and  praised  for  the  good- 
ness that  is  m  thee,  as  if  it  was  thy  owti  ;  for  the 
praise  of  being  good  is  the  prerogative  of  God  :  his 
goodness  alone  is  absolute  and  underived.  Thou 
art  good  only  by  the  communication  of  that  good- 
ness which,  from  eternity  to  eternity,  dwells  essen- 
tially in  him.  Aspire  after  such  inward  purity  and 
freedom,  that  no  affection  to  any  creature  may  have 
power  to  perplex  and  enslave  thee:  Have  a  heart 
divested  of  all  selfish  affections  and  earthly  desires, 


94  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

"  Stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord." 
Indeed,  to  this  exalted  state  thou  canst  not  arrive, 
without  the  prevention  and  attraction  of  his  grace, 
which  will  bring  thee  into  union  with  his  blessed 
Spirit. 

When  the  grace  of  God  thus  lives  and  reigns  in 
the  heart  of  man,  he  has  power  to  "  do  all  things  :" 
but  when  its  divine  influence  is  suspended,  he  feels 
himself  left  in  the  poverty  and  weakness  of  fallen 
nature,  exposed  to  the  lash  of  every  affliction. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Absence  of  Comfort. 

It  requires  no  considerable  effort  to  despise  hu- 
man consolation,  when  we  are  possessed  of  divine  : 
but  it  is  transcendent  greatness,  to  bear  the  want  of 
both  ;  and,  without  self-condolence,  or  the  least  re- 
trospection on  our  own  imaginary  worth,  patiently 
to  sufft?r  desolation  of  heart  for  the  glory  of  God. 
What  singular  attainment  is  it,  to  be  peaceful  and 
devout,  while  "  the  light  of  God's  countenance  is  lift- 
ed up  upon  thee  ?  "  That  man  cannot  but  find  his 
journey  easy  and  delightful,  whom  the  grace  of  God 
sustains  ;  so  that  he  neither  feels  burden,  nor  meets 
with  obstruction,  but  is  supported  by  Omnipotence, 
and  conducted  by  Truth. 

We  perpetually  seek  after  consolation,  from  the 
dread  of  the  want  of  it ;  and  it  is  with  difficulty  that 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  95 

man  is  so  far  divested  of  self,  as  not  to  seek  it  in  his 
earthly  and  selfish  state.  It  requires  long  and  severe 
conflicts,  entirely  to  subdue  the  earthly  and  selfish 
nature,  and  turn  all  the  desire  of  the  soul  to  God. 
He  that  trusts  to  his  own  wisdom  and  strength,  is 
easily  seduced  to  seek  repose  in  human  consolation  : 
but  he  that  truly  loves  Christ,  and  depends  only  up- 
on his  redeeming  power  within  him,  as  the  principle 
of  holiness  and  truth,  turns  not  aside  to  such  vain 
comforts,  but  rather  exercises  self-denial,  and,  for 
the  sake  of  Christ,  endures  the  most  painful  labors. 
When  God  bestows  upon  thee  the  consolations 
of  the  Spirit,  receive  them  with  all  thankfulness  : 
but  remember,  they  are  his  gift,  not  thy  desert ;  and, 
instead  of  being  elate,  careless,  and  presuming,  be 
more  humble,  more  watchful  and  devout  in  all  thy 
conduct.  The  hour  of  light  and  peace  may  soon  give 
place  to  days  of  darkness  and  temptation.  Such 
vicissitudes  are  not  unexpected  to  those  who  are  ex- 
perienced in  the  divine  life.  When  thou  findest  so 
sad  a  change  in  thy  state  do  not  immediately  despair, 
but  with  humility  search  thy  heart  for  the  causes 
of  thy  trial,  and  with  prayer  wait  earnestly  on  God 
who  is  infinite  in  goodness  as  well  as  power,  and 
who  is  both  able  and  willing  to  renew  the  bounties 
of  his  grace  in  more  abundant  measures.  The  royal 
prophet  thus  describes  his  own  case:  "When  I 
was  in  prosperity,"  and  ray  heart  was  filled  with  the 
treasures  of  grace,  "  I  said,  I  shall  never  be  moved." 
But  these  treasures  being  soon  taken  away,  and 
feeling  in  himself  the  poverty  of  fallen  nature,  he 
adds,  "Thou  didst  turn  thy  face  from  me,  and  I 


96  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

was  troubled."  Yet  in  this  disconsolate  state,  he 
does  not  despair  ;  but  with  more  ardor,  raises  his  de- 
sire and  prayer  to  God  :  "  Unto  thee,  O  Lor-d,  will 
I  cry,  and  I  will  make  my  sup[)lication  unto  my 
God."  He  then  testifies,  that  his  prayer  is  accepted, 
and  his  prosperous  state  restored  ;  "  The  Lord  hath 
heard  me,  and  hath  had  mercy  upon  me  ;  the  Lord 
is  become  my  helper."  And  to  show  how  this  mercy 
and  help  were  manifested,  he  adds,  "  Thou  hast 
turned  my  mourning  into  joy,  and  hast  compassed 
me  about  with  gladness." 

In  what  can  I  hope,  or  where  place  my  confidence, 
but  in  infinite  goodness,  and  the  life,  light,  and  peace, 
of  the  Divine  Spirit?  For  whether  the  conversa- 
tion of  holy  men,  the  endearing  kindness  of  faithful 
friends,  the  melody  of  music  in  psalms  and  hymns,  the 
entertainment  of  ingenious  books,  nay,  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  oracles  of  God  ;  whether  any  or  all  these 
advantages  are  present,  what  do  they  all  avail,  what 
joy  can  they  dispense,  when  the  Holy  Spirit  is  with- 
drawn from  my  soul,  and  I  am  left  to  the  poverty 
and  wretchedness  of  my  fallen  sel  f .''  In  such  a  state, 
no  remedy  remains  but  meek  and  humble  prayer, 
and  the  total  surrender  of  my  will  to  the  blessed  will 
of  God.  "  To  him  that  overcometh,"  saith  He  who 
is  "  the  First  and  the  Last,"  "  will  I  give  to  eat  of 
the  tree  of  life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  Paradise 
of  God." 

I  wish  for  no  consolation  that  robs  me  of  com- 
punction ;  nor  aim  at  any  contemplation  that  will  ex- 
alt me  into  pride  :  for  everything  that  is  high,  is  not 
bply  J  nor  every  desire  pure  5  nor  everything  that  is 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  97 

sweet,  good  ;  nor  everything  tliat  is  dear  to  man, 
pleasing  to  God.  But  acceptable,  beyond  measure, 
is  that  grace  by  which  I  am  made  more  humble,  and 
more  disposed  to  deny  and  renounce  myself. 

Why  seek  rest,  when  thou  art  born  to  labor  c 
Dispose  thyself  for  patience,  rather  than  for  con- 
solation ;  rather  for  bearing  the  cross,  than  for  re- 
ceiving joy.  Who  among  those  that  are  devoted 
to  the  world,  would  not  gladly,  receive  the  joys  and 
■consolations  of  the  Spirit,  if  they  could  be  obtained 
without  relinquishing  the  pursuits  of  honor,  wealth, 
and  pleasure?  The  joys  and  consolations  of  the 
Spirit  traiLscend  the  delights  of  the  world  and  the 
pleasures  of  sense,  as  far  as  heaven  transcends  the 
earth  :  these  are  either  impure  or  vain  ;  those  alone 
are  holy,  substantial,  delightful,  the  fruits  of  that 
new  nature  which  is  born  of  God.  False  freedom 
and  self^onfidence  greatly  oppose  the  heavenly  visi- 
tation. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Thankfulness  for  the  Grace  of  God. 

"  Render  unto  God,  that  which  is  God's,"  and 
take  to  thyself  that  which  is  properly  thy  own  ;  give 
him  the  glory  of  all  thy  good,  and  leave  for  thyself 
only  the  shame  and  punishment  of  all  thy  evil. 

God,  who  is  infinite  in  goodness,  manifests  that 
goodness,  in  bestowing  the  gift  of  his  Holy  Spirit ; 
9 


98  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

man,  who  is  wholly  evil,  shows  that  evil,  in  not  ren- 
dering back  the  gift  with  the  thankfulness  and  praise 
of  dependent  wretchedness.  The  influences  of  God's 
Spirit  in  large  measures  are  poured  only  upon  the 
the  truly  thankful,  and  from  the  proud  is  taken  away 
that  which  is  given  to  the  humble. 

Set  thyself  in  the  lowest  place,  and  the  highest  shall 
be  given  thee  ;  for  the  more  lofty  the  building  is  de- 
signed to  be,  the  deeper  must  the  foundations  be  laid. 
The  greatest  saints  in  the  sight  of  God,  are  the  least 
in  their  own  esteem  ;  and  the  height  of  their  glory  is 
always  in  proportion  to  the  depth  of  their  humilit}^ 
Those  that  are  filled  with  true  and  heavenly  glory, 
have  no  place  for  the  desire  of  that  which  is  earthly 
and  vain  ;  being  rooted  and  established  in  God,  they 
cannot  possibly  be  lifted  up  in  sell-exaltation.  What- 
eA^er  good  they  have,  they  acknowledge  to  be  receiv- 
ed ;  and  ascribing  the  glory  oi"  it  to  the  supreme  Au- 
thor of  good,  tliey  "  seek  not  honor  one  of  anoth- 
er, but  the  honor  that  cometh  from  God  alone  :" 
That  God  may  be  glorified  in  himself,  and  in  all  his 
<?aints,  is  the  prevailing  desire  of  their  hearts,  and  the 
piincipal  end  of  all  their  actions. 

Be  thankful  for  what  thou  receivest,  and  thou 
wilt  receive  more.  Let  that  which  is  thought  the 
least  of  God's  gifts,  be  unto  thee  even  as  the  great- 
est ;  for  the  dignity  of  the  giver  confers  dignity  on 
all  his  gifls  ;  and  none  can  be  small,  that  is  bestowed 
by  the  Supreme  God.  Even  chastisement  from 
him,  is  to  be  gratefully  received  ;  for  whatever  he 
permitteth  to  befall  us,  he  permitteth  it  to  promote 
the  important  business  of  onr  redemption. 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


The  small  number  of  those  that  love  the  Cross. 

Jesus  has  many  lovers  of  his  heaven,  but  few 
Dearers  of  his  cross  ;  many  that  desire  to  partake  of 
his  comforts,  but  few  that  are  willing  to  share  in  his 
distress  ;  many  companions  of  his  table,  but  few  of 
his  hours  of  abstinence.  All  are  disposed  to  rejoice 
with  Jesus,  but  few  to  suffer  sorrow  for  his  SEike  : 
many  follow  liim  to  the  breaking  of  bread,  but  few 
to  the  drinking  of  his  bitter  cup  :  many  attend  with 
reverence  on  the  glory  of  his  miracles,  but  iew  fol- 
low the  ignominy  of  his  cross.  Many  seem  to  love 
Jesus,  while  they  are  free  from  adversity,  and  bless 
him,  while  they  receive  his  consolations  :  but  their 
confidence  and  their  dev^otion  vanish  when  tribulation 
Cometh,  and  they  sink  either  into  murmur  or  des- 
pair. 

But  they  who  love  Jesus  for  himself,  and  not  for 
their  own  comfort,  will  bless  him  in  the  depths  of 
distress.  Nay,  should  he  continue  to  withhold  his 
consolations  from  them,  they  would  still  continue  to 
praise  him,  still  give  him  thanks.  But  do  not  they 
deserve  the  name  of  hirelings,  who  are  for  ever  seei^' 
ing  after  comfort  ?  do  not  all  prove,  that  they  ske 
lovers  of  themselves,  more  than  lovers  of  Christ, 
who  desire  and  think  of  nothing  but  the  repose  and 
pleasure  of  their  own  minds.'' 

Where  is  the  man  that  serveth  God  without  the 
hope  of  reward  ?    Where,  indeed,  is  that  true  "  pov- 


100  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

erty  of  spirit "  to  be  found,  which  is  divested  of  all 
that  is  thought  rich  and  valuable  in  the  creatures  and 
self  ?  This  is  "  a  pearl  of  great  price, "  that  is  wor- 
thy to  be  sought  after  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  na- 
ture !  Though  a  man  give  all  his  substance  to  feed 
the  poor,  it  is  nothing ;  though  he  mortify  the  de- 
sires of  flesh  and  blood  by  severe  penance,  it  is  little  ; 
though  he  comprehend  the  vast  extent  of  science,  he 
is  far  behind.  Though  he  hath  the  splendor  of 
illustrious  virtue,  and  the  ardor  of  exalted  devotion, 
still  he  will  want  much,  if  he  still  wants  this  "  one 
thing  needful,"  this  poverty  of  spirit,  which,  after 
abandoning  the  creatures  about  him,  requires  him  to 
abandon  himself;  to  go  wholly  out  of  himself ;  to  re- 
tain no  leaven  of  self-love  and  self-esteem;  but  Avhen 
he  hath  finished  his  course  of  duty,  to  know  and 
feel,  with  the  same  certainty  as  he  feels  the  motion 
of  his  heart,  that  he  himself  hath  done  nothing.    ' 

Such  a  man  will  set  no  value  upon  those  attain- 
ments, which,  if  under  the  power  of  self-love,  he 
would  highly  esteem  ;  but,  m  concurrence  with  the 
voice  of  Truth,  "  when  he  has  done  all  that  is  com- 
manded him,"  he  Avill  always  freely  pronounce  hin>- 
self  "  an  unprofitable  servant."  This  is  that  pover- 
ty and  nakedness  of  spirit,  which  can  say,  with  the 
Psalmist,  "  Lord,  in  myself,  I  am  poor  and  desolate!" 
And  yet  there  is  none  so  rich,  none  so  free,-  none  so 
powerful,  as  he,  who  renouncing  himself  and  all 
creatures,  can  remain  in  ihemost  abject  state  of  selA 
abasement. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  101 


CHAPTER  XII. 


The  Necessity  of  Bearing  the  Cross. 

This  saying  seems  hard  to  all  :  "  Deny  thyself, 
take  up  thy  cross,  and  follow  me."  But  as  hard  a 
saying  will  be  heard,  when  the  same  divine  voice 
shall  pronounce,  "Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into 
everlasting  fire  !  "  They,  therefore,  who  can  now 
attentively  hear,  and  patiently  follow  the  call  to 
bear  the  cross,  will  not  be  terrified  at  the  sentence 
of  the  final  judgment.  In  that  awful  day,  the  ban- 
ner of  the  cross  will  be  displayed  in  heaven  ;  and  all 
who  have  conformed  their  lives  to  Christ  crucified, 
will  draw  near  to  Christ  the  Judge,  with  holy  confi- 
dence. AVhy,  then,  dost  thou  fear  to  take  up  the 
cross  .'' 

In  the  cross  is  life,  health,  protection  from  every 
enemy  ;  from  the  cross  are  derived  heavenly  meek- 
ness, true  fortitude,  the  joys  of  the  Spirit,  the  con- 
quest of  self,  the  perfection  of  holiness.  There  is 
no  redemption,  no  foundation  for  the  hope  of  tlie 
divine  life,  but  in  the  cross.  Take  up  thy  cross, 
therefore,  and  follow  Jesus  in  the  path  that  leads  to 
everlasting  peace.  He  hath  gone  before,  bearing 
that  cross  upon  which  he  died  for  thee,  that  thou 
mightst  fallow,  patiently  bearing  thy  own  cross,  and 
upon  that  die  to  thyself  for  him  :  and  if  we  die  with 
him,  we  shall  also  live  w^th  him  :  "  If  we  are  par- 
takers of  his  sufferings,  we  shall  be  partakers  also  of 
his  glory." 


102  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

Though  thou  disposes!  all  thy  affairs  according 
to  thy  own  fancy,  and  conductest  them  hy  the  dic- 
tates of  thy  own  judgment,  still  thou  wilt  continu- 
ally meet  with  some  evil,  which  thou  must  necessa- 
rily bear,  either  with  or  against  thy  will ;  and,  there- 
fore, wilt  continually  find  the  cross.  Thou  wilt 
feel  either  pain  of  body,  or  distress  and  anguish  of 
spirit.  Sometimes  thou  wilt  experience  the  absence 
of  inward  comfort ;  sometimes  thy  neighbour  will 
put  thy  meekness  and  patience  to  the  test ;  and, 
what  is  more  than  this,  thou  wilt  sometimes  feel  a 
burden  in  thyself,  which  no  human  help  can  remove, 
no  earthly  comfort  lighten  ;  but  bear  it  thou  must, 
as  long  as  it  is  the  blessed  will  of  God  to  continue  it 
upon  thee.  It  is  the  blessed  will  of  God,  in  permit- 
ting the  darkness  of  distress,  that  we  should  learn 
such  profound  humility  and  submission,  as  to  resign 
our  whole  state,  present  and  future,  to  his  absolute 


The  cross  is  always  ready,  and  waits  for  thee  in 
every  place,  run  where  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  not 
avoid  it.  Turn  which  way  thou  wilt,  either  to  the 
things  above,  or  the  things  below ;  to  that  which  is 
within  or  without  thee ;  thou  wilt  in  all,  certainly 
find  the  cross  :  and  if  thou  wouldst  enjoy  peace,  and 
obtain  the  unfading  crown  of  glory,  it  is  necessary 
that  in  every  place,  and  in  all  events,  thou  shouldst 
bear  it  willingly,  and  "  in  patience  possess  thy  soul." 

If  thou  bearest  the  cross  willingly,  it  will  soon 
bear  thee,  and  lead  thee  beyond  the  reach  of  suffer- 
ing, where  "  God  shall  take  away  all  sorrow  from 
thy  heart."    But  if  thou  bearest  it  with  reluctance, 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  lOS 

it  will  be  a  burden  inexpressibly  painful,  which  yet 
thou  must  still  feel ;  and  by  every  impatient  effort  to 
throw  it  from  thee,  thou  wilt  only  render  thyself 
less  able  to  sustain  its  weight. 

Why  hopest  thou  to  avoid  that,  from  which  no 
human  being  has  been  exempt  ?  Who  among  the 
saints  hath  accomplished  his  pilgrimage  in  this  world, 
without  adversity  and  distress  ?  Ev^en  our  blessed 
Lord  passed  not  one  hour  of  his  most  holy  life, 
without  tasting  "  the  bitter  cup  that  was  given  him 
to  drink:"  and,  of  himself,  hesaith,  that  "  it  behoov- 
ed him  to  suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the  dead,  and  so  to 
enter  into  his  glory."  And  why  dost  thou  seek 
any  other  path  to  glory,  but  that,  in  which,  bearing 
the  cross,  thou  art  called  to  follow  "  the  Captain  of 
thy  salvation  ?"  The  life  of  Christ  was  a  continual 
cross,  an  unbroken  chain  of  sufferings  :  and  desirest 
thou  a  perpetuity  of  repose  and  joy  .''  Though,  like 
St.  Paul,  thou  wert  "  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven," 
yet  thou  wouldst  not  be  exempt  from  suffering  : 
for  of  St.  Paulr  himself,  his  Redeemer  said,  "  I  will 
show  him  how  great  things  he  must  suffer  for  my 
name's  sake."  To  suffer,  therefore,  is  thy  portion  ; 
and  to  suffer  patiently  and  willingly,  is  the  great  tes- 
timony of  love  and  allegiance  to  thy  Lord. 

The  regenerate  man,  as  he  becomes  more  spiritual- 
ized, has  a  quicker  discernment  of  the  cross,  wherev- 
er it  meets  him  ;  and  his  sense  of  the  evils  of  his 
exile,  as  the  punishment  of  his  fallen  life,  increases 
in  proportion  to  his  love  of  God,  and  desire  of  re- 
union with  him.  But  this  man,  thus  sensible  of 
misery,  derives  hope  even  from  his  sufferings ;  lor 


104  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

while  he  sustains  them  with  meek  and  humble  sub- 
mission, their  weight  is  continually  diminishing  ;  and 
what  to  carnal  minds  is  the  object  of  terror,  is  to  him 
a  pledge  of  heavenly  comfort.  He  feels,  that  the 
strength,  the  life,  and  peace,  of  the  new  man,  rise 
from  tlie  troubles,  the  decay,  and  death  of  the  old  : 
and  from  his  desire  of  conformity  to  his  crucified 
Saviour,  as  the  only  means  of  restoration  to  his  first 
perfect  state  in  God,  he  derives  so  much  strength 
and  comfort  under  the  severest  tribulations,  that  he 
wisheth  not  to  live  a  moment  without  them.  Of 
the  truth  of  this,  the  blessed  Paul  is  an  illustrious 
instance  ;  who  says  of  himself,  "  I  take  pleasure  in 
infirmities,  in  reproaches,  in  necessities,  in  persecu- 
tions, in  distresses,  for  Christ's  sake  ;  for  when  I  am 
weak,  then  am  I  strong." 

It  is  not  in  man  to  love  and  to  bear  the  cross ;  to  re- 
sist the  appetites  of  the  body,  and  bring  them  under 
absolute  subjection  to  the  Spirit ;  to  shun  honors  ;  to 
receiv^e  affronts  with  meekness  ;  to  despise  himself, 
and  willingly  be  despised  by  others  ;  to  bear,  with 
calm  resignation,  the  loss  of  fortune,  health,  and 
friends  ;  and  to  have  no  desire  after  the  riches,  the 
honors,  and  pleasures  of  the  world.  If  thou  depend- 
est  upon  thy  own  will  and  strength  to  do  and  to 
suffer  all  this,  thou  wilt  find  thyself  as  unable  to  ac- 
complish it,  as  to  create  another  world  ;  but  if  thou 
turnest  to  the  divine  power  within  thee,  and  trustest 
only  to  that  as  the  doer  and  sufferer  of  all,  the 
strength  of  Omnipotence  will  be  imparted  to  thee, 
and  the  world  and  the  flesh  shall  be  put  under  thy 
feet :  armed  with  this  holy  confidence,  and  defended 


\ 


[MITATION  OF  CHRIST.  105 


by  the  cross  of  Christ,  thou  needest  not  fear  the 
most  malignant  efforts  of  thy  great  adversary  the 
devil. 

Dispose  thyself,  therefore,  like  a  true  and  faithful 
servant,  to  bear  with  fortitude  the  cross  of  thy  bles- 
sed Lord.  Prepare  thy  s])irit  to  suffer  patiently  the 
innumerable  inconveniences  and  troubles  of  this 
miserable  life  ;  for  it  is  patient  suffering  alone,  that 
can  either  disarm  their  power  or  heal  the  wounds 
they  have  made. 

When  thou  hast  obtained  so  true  a  conquest  over 
self-love,  that  the  love  of  Christ  shall  make  tribula- 
tion not  only  tolerable  because  unavoidable  but  wel- 
come because  beneficial,  all  will  be  well  with  thee. 
But  while  every  tribulation  is  painful  and  grievous, 
and  it  is  the  desire  of  thy  soul  to  avoid  it,  thou  canst 
not  but  be  wretched,  and  what  thou  laborcst  to  shun, 
will  follow  thee  wherever  thou  goest. 

Thy  life  must  be  a  continual  death  to  the  appetites 
and  passions  of  fallen  nature  ;  and  be  assured,  the 
more  perfectly  tliou  diest  to  thyself,  the  more  truly 
wilt  thou  live  to  God.  No  man  is  qualified  to  un- 
derstand the  stupendous  truths  of  redemption,  till 
he  has  subdued  impatience  and  self-love,  and  is 
ready  to  suffer  adversity  for  the  sake  of  Christ.  If 
the  condition  of  thy  present  life  was  lefl  to  thy  own 
choice,  thou  shouldst  prefer  suffering  affliction  for 
the  sake  of  Christ,  to  the  uninterrupted  enjoyment 
of  repose  and  comfort ;  for  this  will  render  thee  con- 
formable to  Christ,  and  all  his  saints.  Indeed,  the 
perfection  of  our  state,  depends  more  upon  the  pa- 


106  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

tient  suffering  of  long  and  severe  distress,  tlian  upon 
continual  consolation  and  ecstasy. 

If  any  way,  but  bearing  the  cross  and  dying  to  his 
own  will,  could  have  redeemed  man  from  that  fallen 
life  of  self  in  flesh  and  blood,  which  is  his  alienation 
from,  and  enmity  to  God,  Christ  would  have  taught 
it  in  his  word,  and  established  it  by  his  example. 
But  of  all  that  desire  to  follow  him,  he  has  required 
the  bearing  of  the  cross  ;  and,  without  exception, 
has  said  to  all,  "  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let 
him  deny  himself,  take  up  his  cross,  and  f  jllow  me." 

When,  therefore,  we  have  read  all  books,  and  ex- 
amined all  methods,  to  find  out  the  path  that  will 
lead  us  to  heaven,  this  conclusion  only  will  remain, 
that  "through  much  tribulation  we  must  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God." 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


BOOK  THIRD. 

OF    DIVINE    ILLUMINATION. 

CHAPTER  I. 

The  Blessedness  of  Internal  Conversation  with  Christ. 
DISCIPLE. 

I  WILL  hear  what  the  Lord  my  God  will  say. 

CHRIST. 

Blessed  is  the  soul  that  listeneth  to  the  voice 
of  the  Lord,  and  from  his  own  lips  heareth  the 
word  of  consolation  !  Blessed  are  the  ears  that 
receive  the  soft  whispers  of  the  divine  breath,  and 
exclude  the  noise  and  tumult  of  the  world  !  Blessed 
are  the  eyes  shut  to  material  objects,  and  open  and 
fixed  upon  those  that  are  spiritual  !  Blessed  are 
they  that  examine  the  state  of  the  internal  man ; 
and,  by  continual  exercises  of  repentance  and  faith, 
prepare  the  mind  for  a  more  comprehensive  knowl- 
edge of  the  truths  of  redemption  !  Blessed  are  all 
who  delight  in  the  service  of  God ;  and  who,  that 


108  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

they  may  live  purely  to  him,  disengage  their  hearts 
from  the  cares  and  pleasures  of  the  world  ! 

DISCIPLE. 

Consider  these  transcendent  blessings,  O  my  soul  ! 
and  exclude  the  objects  of  sensual  desire,  that  thou 
mayst  be  able  to  hear  and  understand  the  voice  of 
the  Lord  thy  God.     Thy  beloved  speaketh  again. 

CHRIST. 

I  am  thy  life,  thy  peace,  and  thy  salvation  :  keep 
thyself  united  to  me,  and  thou  shalt  find  rest.  De- 
sire not  the  transitory  enjoyments  of  earth,  tut  seek 
after  the  eternal  enjoyments  prepared  for  thee  in 
heaven  :  for  what  are  those  transitory  enjoyments, 
but  delusions  and  snares  .''  and  what  can  all  creatures 
avail  thee,  when  thou  hast  forsaken  the  Creator  .'* 
Abandon,  therefore,  created  things,  that  by  a  faith- 
ful and  pure  adherence,  thou  mayst  be  acceptable  to 
Him  in  whom  thou  hast  thy  being,  and,  in  union 
with  his  Spirit,  enjoy  everlasting  felicity. 


•»>^^  ^5  ©4«»*" 


CHAPTER  II. 
Communion  with  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

"  Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth.  I  am 
thy  servant ;  give  me  understanding,  that  I  may 
know  thy  testimonies."  Incline  my  heart  to  the 
words  of  thy  mouth  :  "  Let  thy  speech  distil  as  the 
dew  ! » 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  109 

riie  children  of  Israel  once  said  to  Moses,  "  Speak 
thou  with  us,  and  we  will  hear  :  let  not  God  speak 
with  us,  lest  we  die."  I  pray  not  in  this  manner  : 
no,  Lord,  I  pray  not  so  ;  but,  with  the  prophet 
Samuel,  humbly  and  ardently  entreat,  "  Speak, 
Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth."  Let  not  Moses 
speak  to  me,  nor  any  ol"  the  prophets  ;  but  speak 
thou,  O  Lord  God,  the  inspirer  and  enlightener  of 
all  the  prophets  :  for  thou  alone,  without  their  inter- 
vention, canst  perfectly  instruct  me  ;  but,  without 
thee,  they  can  profit  me  nothing. 

Thy  ministers  can  pronounce  the  words,  but  can- 
not impart  the  Spirit  :  they  may  entertain  the  fancy 
with  the  charms  of  eloquence  ;  but  if  thou  art  silent, 
they  do  not  inflame  the  heart.  They  administer  the 
letter,  but  thou  openest  the  sense  ;  they  utter  the 
mystery,  but  thou  revealest  its  meaning  ;  they  pub- 
lish thy  laws,  but  thou  conferrest  the  power  ol" obe- 
dience ;  they  point  out  the  way  to  life,  but  thou 
bestowest  strength  to  walk  in  it :  "  they  water,  but 
tliou  givest  the  increase  ;"  their  voice  soundeth  in  the 
ear,  but  it  is  thou  that  givest  understanding  to  the 
heart.  Therefore,  do  thou,  O  Lord  my  God,  Eter- 
nal Truth  !  speak  to  my  soul ;  lest,  being  outwardly 
warned,  but  not  inwardly  quickened,  I  die,  and  be 
found  unfruitful :  lest  the  word  heard  and  not  obej^ 
ed,  known  and  not  loved,  professed  and  not  kept,  turn 
to  my  condemnation.  "  Speak,"  therefore,  "  Lord, 
for  thy  servant  heareth  :"  "  Thou  "  only  "  hast  the 
words  of  eternal  life  !"  O  speak,  to  the  comfort  of 
my  soul,  to  the  renovation  of  my  nature,  and  to  tlie 
eternal  praise  and  glory  of  thy  own  holy  name  !   . 


110  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  hear  my  words  :  words  full  of  heavenly  sweet- 
ness, infinitely  transcending  the  learning  and  elo- 
quence of  all  the  philosophers  and  wise  men  of  this 
world.  "The  words  that  I  speak,  they  are  spirit, 
and  they  are  life  ;"  not  to  be  weighed  in  the  balance 
of  human  understanding,  nor  perverted  to  the  indul- 
gence of  vain  curiosity  ;  but  to  be  heard  in  silence, 
and  received  with  meek  simplicity  and  ardent  affec- 
tion. 

DISCIPLE. 

"  Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  instructest,  O 
Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  thy  law  ;  tliat  thou 
mayst  give  him  rest  from  the  days  of  adversity," 
lest  he  be  left  desolate  upon  the  earth. 

CHRIST. 

I  taught  the  prophets  from  the  beginning,  and  till 
now  cease  not  to  speak  ;  but  many  are  deaf  to  my 
voice.  Most  men  listen  more  attentively  to  the 
world  than  to  God  ;  they  more  readily  submit  to  the 
painful  tyranny  of  sensual  appetites,  than  to  the  mild 
and  sanctifying  restraints  of  God's  holy  will.  The 
world  promises  only  transitory  joy,  and  men  engage 
with  ardor  in  its  unholy  service  ;  I  promise  that 
which  is  supreme  and  everlasting,  and  their  Jiearts 
are  insensible  and  unmoved.  Where  is  the  man  that 
serves  and  obeys  me,  with  that  affection  and  solici- 
tude with  which  the  world  and  the  rulers  of  it  are 
served  and  obeyed  .'*  Even  the  sea  exclaimeth,  "  Be 
thou  ashamed,  O  Zidon  ! "  because,  for  a  trifling 
acquisition  of  wealth  or  honor,  a  tedious  and  fatigu- 
ing journey  is  cheerfully  undertaken  j  but,  to  obtain 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  Ill 

eternal  life,  not  a  foot  is  lifted  from  the  earth.  The 
sordid  gain  of  perishing  riches,  engages  the  pursuit, 
and  employs  the  industry  of  all ;  the  most  inconsid- 
erable share  of  this  imaginary  property  is  obstinately 
and  biiierly  contested.  For  the  vain  expectation  of 
a  vainer  possession,  men  dread  not  the  fatigue  of 
sleepless  nights  and  restless  days  :  but,  deplorable 
insensibility!  for  unchangeable  good,  for  an  inesti- 
mable recompense,  for  unsullied  glory  and  endless 
happiness,  the  least  solicitude  and  the  least  labor  is 
thought  too  dear  a  purchase. 

Be  ashamed,  therefore,  O  slothful  and  discontented 
servant  !  that  the  children  of  the  world  should  with 
more  ardor,  seek  after  destruction  and  death,  than 
thou  dost  eternal  life  ;  that  they  should  rejoice  more 
in  vanity,  than  thou  in  the  truth.  Their  hope  is, 
indeed,  vain,  as  that  on  which  it  is  erected;  but  the 
hope  that  dependeth  on  my  promises,  is  never  sent 
empty  away :  what  I  have  promised  I  will  give,  what 
I  have  said  I  will  fulfil.  "  I  am  the  rewarder  of 
them  that  diligently  seek  me :  I  am  he  which  search- 
eth  "  and  trieth  "the  hearts  "  of  the  devout. 

Write  my  words  upon  thy  heart ;  ponder  them 
day  and  night:  in  the  time  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  find 
their  truth  and  efficacy:  and  what  thou  now  read- 
est  and  understandest  not,  the  day  of  temptation  will 
explain.  I  visit  man,  both  by  trials  and  comforts  ; 
and  continually  read  him  two  lessons,  one  to  rebuke 
his  selfishness  and  impurity,  and  the  other  to  excite 
him  to  the  pursuit  of  holiness.  He  that  hath  my 
word,  and  despisethit,  hath  that  which  "shall  judge 
him  in  the  last  day." 


112  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

CHAPTER  III. 

ListiiLction  how  to  walk  before  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  my  God,  thou  art  my  supreme  and  con- 
summate good !  What  am  I,  that  I  should  presume 
to  open  my  lips  before  thee  ?  I  am  thy  least  and 
most  unprofitable  servant ;  an  abject  worm  ;  much 
more  poor  and  contemptible  than  I  am  able  to  con- 
ceive !  Yet  remember  me,  O  Lord,  and  have  mercy 
upon  me  ;  for,  without  thee,  I  have  nothing,  can  do 
nothing,  and  am  nothing.  Thou  alone  art  just,  and 
holy,  and  good  ;  thy  power  is  infinite,  and  the  mani- 
festations of  it  boundless.  Remember,  O  Lord,  the 
love  that  brought  me  into  being  ;  and  as  thou  madest 
all  things  for  the  communication  of  thy  perfections 
and  blessedness,  O  fill  me  with  th3^self ! 

How  can  I  sustain  the  darkness  and  misery  of  this 
fallen  life,  unlesc  thy  truth  enlighten,  and  thy  strength 
support  me  .''  O  turn  not  away  thy  face,  delay  not 
thy  fatherly  visitation,  suspend  not  the  consolations 
of  thy  Spirit,  lest  my  soul  become  like  a  barren  and 
"  thirsty  land  where  no  water  is !  "  Lord,  "  teach 
me  to  do  thy  will ;"  teach  me  to  walk  before  thee  in 
humiUty  and  faith,  in  fear  and  love  !  Thou  art  my 
wisdom,  who  knowest  me  in  truth,  and  didst  know 
me  before  I  was  born  into  the  world,  and  before  the 
world  was  made  ! 

CHRIST. 

Son,  walk  before  me  in  truth,  and  in  singleness  of 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  113 

heart  seek  me  continually.  He  that  walketh  before 
me  in  truth,  shall  be  defended  against  the  assaults  of 
evil  S])irits,  and  delivered  Ironi  the  delusions  and 
calumnies  of  wicked  men.  "  If  the  truth  make  thee 
free,  thou  shalt  be  free  indeed  ;"  and  shalt  hear,  with- 
out emotion,  the  commendations  or  censures  of  the 
world. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  thy  word  is  truth  !  As  thou  hast  spoken, 
so,  I  beseech  thee,  be  it  done  unto  thy  servant.  Let 
thy  truth  teach,  protect,  and  preserve  me  to  my  final 
redemption^  let  it  deliver  me  from  every  evil  temper 
and  inordinate  desire,  so  shall  I  walk  before  thee  in 
"  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God!  " 

CPIRIST. 

I  will  teach  thee  wliat  is  my  "  good  and  accepta- 
ble and  perfect  will."  Think  on  the  evil  that  is  in 
thee,  with  deep  compunction  and  sell-abhorrence;  and 
think  on  the  good  without  self-esteem  and  self-exal- 
tation. In  th3^self  thou  art  a  wretched  sinner,  bound 
with  the  complicated  chain  of  many  sensual  and  ma- 
lignant passions.  Thou  art  alwa^^s  tending  to  noth- 
ing and  vanity  ;  thou  soon  waverest,  art  soon  subdu- 
ed, soon  disturbed,  and  easily  seduced  from  the  path 
of  holiness  and  peace.  There  is  in  thee  no  good, 
which  thou  canst  glory  in  as  thy  own;  but  much  evil, 
requiring  deep  shame  and  self-abhorrence.  Thou 
art  even  more  dark,  corrupt,  and  powerless,  than 
thou  art  able  to  comprehend. 

Let  hot  pride  deceive  thee  into  false  notions  of  the 
hoUness  and  perfection  of  thy  life  ;  for  thou  hast 
nothing  great,  nothing  valuable,  nothing  worthy  of 
10 


114  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

admiration  and  praise,  nothing  exalted,  good,  and 
desirable,  but  that  which  is  produced  by  the  opera- 
tion of  my  Spirit.  Let  eternal  truth  be  all  thy  com- 
fort and  thy  boast,  and  thy  own  sinfulness  thy  dis- 
pleasure and  thy  shame.  Fear,  abhor,  and  shun 
nothing  so  much,  as  the  evil  tempers  of  thy  fallen 
nature,  and  the  evil  habits  of  thy  fallen  life.  These 
should  offend  and  grieve  thee  more  than  all  the  los- 
ses and  distresses  we  meet  with  in  the  world. 

Some  men  walk  not  before  me  in  simplicity  and 
purity  of  heart ;  but  moved  by  that  curiosity  and 
arrogance  which  deprived  angels  of  heaven,  and 
Adam  of  paradise,  neglect  themselves  and  their  own 
salvation,  to  search  into  the  counsels  of  infinite  wis- 
dom, and  fathom  the  deep  things  of  God.  These 
fall  into  dangerous  errors,  and  aggravated  sins  ;  and 
their  pride  and  presumption  I  continually  resist. 
But  do  thou  fear  the  judgments  of  God,  tremble 
at  the  wrath  of  Omnipotence  ;  and,  instead  of  ques- 
tioning the  proceedings  of  the  Most  High,  search  the 
depths  of  thy  own  iniquities,  that  thou  mayst  know 
how  much  evil  thou  hast  done,  and  how  much  good 
thou  hast  neglected. 

Some  place  their  religion  in  books,  some  in  ima- 
ges, and  some  in  the  pomp  and  splendor  of  external 
worship  ;  these  honor  "  me  with  their  lips,  but  their 
heart  is  far  from  me."  But  there  are  some  who, 
with  illuminated  understandings,  discern  the  glory 
which  man  has  lost,  and  with  pure  affections  pant 
for  its  recovery.  These  hear  and  speak  with  reluc- 
tance of  the  cares  and  pleasures  of  the  present  life, 
and  even  lament  the  necessity  of  administering  to 


I 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  115 

the  wants  of  animal  nature.  These  hear  and  under- 
stand what  the  Holy  Spirit  speaketh  in  their  heart, 
exhorting  them  to  withdraw  their  affection  from 
things  on  earth,  and  "  set  it  on  things  above ;  "  to 
abandon  this  fallen  world,  and  day  and  night  aspire 
after  reunion  with  God. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Power  of  Divine  Love. 

DISCIPLE. 

I  BLESS  thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  the  Father  of 
my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  thou  hast  vouchsafed 
to  remember  so  poor  and  helpless  a  creature!  O 
Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  consolation,  I  give 
thee  most  humble  and  ardent  thanks,  that,  unwor- 
thy as  I  am  of  all  comfort,  thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  visit  my  benighted  soul  with  the  enlivening  beams 
of  heavenly  light  !  Blessing,  and  praise,  and  glory, 
be  unto  thee,  and  thy  only  begotten  Son,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  the  Comforter,  for  ever  and  ever  ! 

O  Lord  my  God,  who  hast  mercifully  numbered 
me  among  the  objects  of  thy  redeeming  love,  thou 
art  my  glory  and  my  joy,  my  hope  and  refuge  in  the 
day  of  my  distress.  But  my  love  is  yet  feeble,  and 
my  holy  resolutions  imperfect:  do  thou,  therefore, 
visit  me  continually,  and  instruct  me  out  of  thy  law; 
deliver  me  from  malignant  passions  and  sensual  de- 
sires, that  being  healed  and  purified,  I  may  love 


116  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

with  more  ardor,  suffer  with  more  patience,  and 
persevere  with  more  constancy. 

CHRIST. 

Love  is,  indeed,  a  transcendent  excellence,  an  es- 
sential and  sovereign  good  ;  it  makes  the  heavy  bur- 
den light,  and  the  rugged  path  smooth  ;  it  hears  all 
things  without  feeling  their  weight,  and  from  every 
adversity  takes  away  the  sting. 

Divine  love  is  noble  and  generous,  prompting  to 
difficult  attempts,  and  kindling  desire  for  greater  per- 
fection :  it  continually  looks  up  to  heaven,  and  pants 
after  its  original  and  native  freedom  ;  and,  lest  its  in- 
tellectual eye  should  be  darkened  by  earthly  objects, 
and  its  will  captivated  by  earthly  good,  or  subdued 
by  earthly  evil,  sighs  for  deliverance  from  this  fal- 
len world. 

Love  surpasseth  all  sweetness,  strength,  height, 
depth,  and  breadth  ;  nothing  is  more  pleasing,  noth- 
ing more  full,  nothing  more  excellent  in  heaven  or  in 
earth;  for  "  Love  is  born  of  God  ;"  and  it  cannot  find 
rest  in  created  things,  but  resteth  only  in  him  from 
whom  it  is  derived. 

Love  is  rapid  in  its  motion  as  the  bolt  of  heaven ; 
it  acts  with  ardor,  alacrity,  and  freedom,  and  no  cre- 
ated power  is  able  to  obstruct  its  course.  It  giveth 
all  for  all,  and  possesseth  all  in  all ;  for  it  possesseth 
the  Supreme  Good,  from  whom,  as  from  its  fountain, 
all  good  eternally  proceeds.  It  respecteth  no  gifts, 
but  transcending  all  imparted  excellence,  turneth 
wholly  to  the  Giver  of  every  perfect  gift. 

Love  knows  no  limits,  feels  no  burden,  considers 
no  labor  :  it  desires  to  do  more  than,  in  its  present 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  117 

state,  it  finds  itself  able  to  effect ;  yet  it  is  never 
restrained  by  apparent  impossibility,  but  conceives 
that  all  things  are  possible,  and  that  all  are  lawful ; 
it,  therefore,  attempts  every  labor,  however  difficult, 
and  accomplishes  many,  under  which  the  soul  that 
loves  not,  faints  and  falls  prostrate. 

Love  is  Avatchful,  and  though  it  slumbereth,  doth 
not  sleep  ;  it  is  often  fatigued,  but  never  exhausted  ; 
straitened,  but  not  enslaved  ;  alarmed  by  danger,  but 
not  confounded  ;  and,  like  a  vigorous  and  active 
flame,  ever  bursting  upwards,  securely  passeth 
through  all  opposition. 

He  that  loveth,  feels  the  force  of  this  exclamation: 
"  My  God  !  my  Love  !  Thou  art  wholly  mine,  and 
I  am  wholly  thine  !"  and  when  this  is  the  voice  of 
love,  it  reacheth  unto  heaven. 

DISCIPLE. 

Expand  my  heart  with  love,  that  I  may  feel  its 
transforming  power,  and  may  even  be  dissolved  in 
its  holy  fire  !  Let  me  be  possessed  by  thy  love,  and 
ravished  from  myself !  Let  the  lover's  song  be  min^ 
"  I  will  follow  my  beloved  on  high  ! "  Let  my  soul 
rejoice  exceedingly,  and  lose  itself  in  thy  praise !  Let 
me  love  thee  more  than  myself ;  let  me  love  myself 
only  lor  thy  sake  ;  and  in  thee  love  all  others,  as  that 
perfect  laAV  requireth,  which  is  a  ray  of  the  infinite 
love  that  shines  in  thee  ! 

CHRIST. 

Love  delights  in  the  communication  of  good  ;  and, 
with  a  swiftness  equal  to  thought,  diffuses  its  bless- 
ings with  impartiality  and  ardor.     It  is  courageous 


118  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

and  patient,  faithful  and  prudent,  long-suffering  and 
generous. 

Love  is  circumspect,  humble,  and  equitable  ;  not 
soft,  effeminate,  sickly  and  vain,  but  sober,  chaste, 
constant,  persevering,  peaceful  and  free  from  the 
influence  of  sensible  objects.  It  is  submissive  and 
obedient  to  all,  mean  and  contemptible  in  its  own  es- 
teem, devout  and  thankful  to  God,  and  resigned  even 
when  his  consolations  are  suspended,  being  faithfully- 
dependent  upon  his  mercy  ;  for,  in  this  fallen  Ufe, 
love  is  not  exempt  from  pain. 

He,  therefore,  that  is  not  prepared  to  suffer  all 
things,  and,  renouncing  liis  own  will,  to  adhere  in- 
variably to  the  will  of  his  beloved,  is  unworthy  of 
the  name  of  lover.  It  is  essential  to  that  exalted 
character,  to  endure  the  severest  labors  and  the 
bitterest  afflictions,  and  to  let  nothing  in  created 
nature  turn  him  aside  from  the  supreme  and  infinite 
good. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Of  the  Trial  of  Tiite  Love. 

CHRIST. 

Thou  art  yet  far  distant,  my  son,  from  the  forti 
tude  and  purity  of  love  ;  for  thou  art  always  seeking 
consolation  with  avidity  ;  and  the  least  opposition  to 
thy  inordinate  desires,  hath  power  to  make  thee  re- 
linquish thy  most  holy  purposes.     But  he  that  has 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  119 

the  fortitude  of  love,  stands  firm  in  the  midst  of 
temptations:  and  utterly  disbelieves  and  despises  the 
flattering  insinuations  of  the  enem}' ;  he  knows  that 
I  love  him  ;  and,  whether  in  prosperity  or  adversity, 
makes  me  his  sui)reme  delight.  And  he  that  loves 
with  purity,  considers  not  the  gift  of  the  lover,  but 
tlie  love  of  the  giver ;  he  values  the  affection  more 
than  the  tokens  of  it ;  esteems  his  beloved  infinitely 
beyond  the  benefits  he  confers;  and,  with  a  nobl^ 
generosity  divesting  his  mind  of  all  desire  of  per- 
sonal advantage,  reposes  himself  not  upon  my  gifts, 
but  upon  me. 

Think  not  that  all  is  lost,  when  thy  heart  is  not 
elevated  with  that  sensible  fervor  which  thou  art  al- 
w^ays  coveting.  These  raptures  are  allowed  thee  as 
sweet  foretastes  of  heavenly  bliss,  but  thou  art  yet 
too  carnal  to  be  capable  of  their  constant  enjoyment 
Seek  then  growth  in  grace,  rather  than  flights  of  ec- 
stasy. Thy  principal  concern  and  business  is,  to 
struggle  against  the  motions  of  fallen  nature,  and  the 
suggestions  of  fallen  spirits  ;  and  if  thou  dost  this 
with  faithful  perseverance,  thou  wilt  give  true  proof 
of  that  christian  fortitude  wPiich  will  be  distinguished 
by  the  crown  of  victory. 

Let  not  strange  temptations,  that  possess  thee 
against  thy  will,  disturb  the  quiet  of  thy  soul.  Main- 
tain only  an  unchangeable  resolution  of  obedience, 
and  an  upright  intention  towards  God,  and  all  will 
be  well.  Consider  not  thyself  abandoned  to  the  il^ 
fusions  of  eial  spirits,  when,  being  suddenly  elevated 
into  holy  ecstasy,  thou  as  suddenly  fallest  into  thy 
accustomed  insensibility  and  dissipation  of  mind ;  il' 


120  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

this  change  thou  rather  sufferest,  than  contributest 
to  produce.  While  it  is  involuntary,  and  thou  striv- 
est  against  it,  instead  of  being  a  proof  of  the  loss  of 
grace,  it  may  be  made  an  occasion  of  humble  and  ac- 
ceptable resignation. 

Know,  that  it  is  the  continual  labor  of  thy  in- 
veterate enemy,  to  suppress  every  holy  desire  in  thy 
soul,  and  divert  thee  irora  every  holy  exercise;  from 
affectionate  meditation  on  my  sutferings,  from  the 
imitation  of  my  Ufe,  and  the  [)ersevering  constancy 
of  the  saints,  from  the  profitable  recollection  of  thy 
numerous  sins,  from  the  watchful  keeping  of  thy 
own  heart,  and  from  the  heaven-born  resolution  of 
"  pressing  towards  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  thy 
high  calling."  He  disturbs  thy  thoughts  by  innu- 
merable vain  and  sensual  images,  to  create  in  thee 
disgust  and  abhorrence  of  the  restraints  of  holiness, 
and  to  withdraw  thee  from  prayer  and  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  oracles  of  God :  he  is  offended  and  alarm- 
ed at  an  humble  and  contrite  acknowledgement  of 
sin;  and,  if  possible,  would  bring  thee  to  a  total  dis- 
use of  the  memorials  of  my  death.  Believe  him  not, 
nor  heed  his  power,  though,  to  ensnare  thy  soul,  he 
thus  continually  spreads  his  deceitful  net.  When  he 
suggests  vain  thoughts,  and  impure  desires,  charge 
all  the  guilt  upon  his  own  head;  and  say  to  him, 
"  Get  thee  behind  me,  unclean  and  malignant  spirit  ! 
Depart  from  me,  most  detestable  seducer !  thou  shalt 
have  no  part  in  me  :  for  Jesus,  the  bruiser  of  thy 
head,  is  with  me  ;  and  like  a  mighty  warrior,  he  will 
protect  me  from  thy  malevolence  ;  and  thou  shalt 
fall  subdued  and  confounded  before  him.     I  would 


MITATION   OF    CHRIST.  121 

rather  die  in  extremity  of  torment,  than  consent  to 
thy  impious  will.  Hold  thy  peace,  therefore,  and  he 
dumb  for  ever:  for  I  will  hearken  to  thee  no  longer, 
nor  have  converse  with  thee,  though  thou  shouldst 
continually  invent  new  stratagems  to  rob  me  of  holi- 
ness and  peace."  "  The  Lord  is  my  light,  and  my 
salvation;  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid.''  Though  a 
host  should  encamp  against  me,  my  heart  shall  not 
fear.  The  Lord  is  my  strength,  and  my  Redeemer!" 
Thus,  like  a  valiant  soldier,  let  nothing  abate 
thy  struggle  for  victory;  and  if  thou  sometimes  fall- 
est,  through  human  frailty,  return  to  the  mercy-seat 
with  redoubled  vigor,  depending  upon  the  abundant 
succours  of  my  grace.  Only  beware  of  pride  and 
self<Jomplacency :  for  by  these  many  are  betrayed  in- 
to error,  till  they  are  brought  to  a  degree  of  blindness 
that  is  almost  incurable.  Let  the  destruction  of  the 
proud,  who  vainly  presume  upon  their  own  wisdom 
and  strength,  be  to  thee  a  perpetual  admonition  of 
the  blessings  of  humility. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Enjoyment  must  be  possessed  with  Humility. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  when  the  fire  of  devotion  burns  in  thy 
heart,  let  not  the  favor  exalt  thee  into  pride :  boast 
not  of  it  as  a  distinction  due  to  thy  merit ;  nor  pon- 
der it  in  thy  own  mind  with  self-approbation  and 
U 


122  I^IITATiOiN    OF    CHRIST. 

complacence.  Rather  in  a  true  knowledge  and  dis- 
trust of  thy  great  weakness,  be  more  fearful  in  conse- 
quence of  the  gift,  as  bestowed  upon  one  that  may- 
make  an  unworthy  use  of  it.  That  ardor  is  not  to 
be  relied  on,  wliich  may  soon  abate,  and  give  place 
to  coldness. 

During  the  enjoyment  of  heavenly  consolation, 
recollect  how  poor  and  miserable  thou  wert  without 
it.  The  advancement  of  spiritual  life  depends  not 
upon  the  enjoyment  of  consolation  ;  but  upon  bearing 
the  want  of  it,  with  resignation,  humility,  and  pa- 
tience, so  as  not  to  relinquish  prayer,  or  remit  any  of 
thy  accustomed  holy  exercises.  Thou  must,  with  a 
willing  mind,  and  the  best  exertion  of  thy  ability,  per- 
form all  thy  duties,  and  not  abandon  the  care  of  thy 
improvement,  upon  pretence  of  present  barrenness 
and  disquietude.  There  are  many,  who,  when  their 
state  of  grace  does  not  correspond  with  their  eager 
desires  and  boundless  expectations,  instantly  fall 
either  into  impatience  or  sloth :  but  "  the  way  of  man 
is  not  in  himself  j"  and  it  belongeth  unto  God  to  give 
comfort  when  he  please,  to  whom  he  please,  and  in 
that  degree  which  is  most  subservient  to  the  designs 
of  his  wisdom  and  goodness. 

Some  inconsiderate  persons,  by  an  improper  use 
of  the  grace  of  devotion,  have  destroyed  all  its  saluta- 
ry effects.  With  an  intemperate  zeal  grounded  upon 
it,  they  have  laid  claim  to  such  perfection  as  it  is  im- 
possible to  attain  in  the  present  life ;  not  considering 
their  own  littleness,  but  following  the  tumultuous  fire 
of  animal  passions,  instead  of  the  calm  irradiations 
of  divine  truth.     The;^e,  by  presumption  and  arro- 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  133 

gance,  have  lost  the  grace  that  was  vouchsafed 
them  ;  and,  though  they  had  exalted  themseh^es  "  as 
the  eagles,  and  set  their  nest  among  the  stars,"  yet 
they  have  fallen  back  into  the  poverty  and  wretch- 
edness of  nature  ;  that,  being  stript  of  all  vain  depen- 
dence upon  themselves,  they  might  learn,  that  the 
best  etForts  of  human  strength  are  inefiectual,  and 
that  none  can  soar  to  heaven,  except  I  support  his 
flight,  and  bear  him  upon  my  own  wings. 

They  that  are  inexperienced  in  the  spiritual  life, 
will  be  soon  deceived,  and  easily  subdued,  unless  they 
relinquish  the  guidance  of  their  own  opinions,  and 
hearken  to  the  counsels  of  tried  and  successful  wis- 
dom ;  but  they  who  are  "  ^vise  in  their  own  con- 
ceit," have  seldom  humility  enough  to  submit  to  the 
direction  of  others.  An  understanding,  therefore, 
that  is  able  only  to  "  receive  "  the  truths  of  "  the 
kingdom  of  God  "  with  the  meekness  and  simplicity 
of  "  a  little  child,"  is  infinitely  better  than  that  which, 
arrogantly  glorying  in  its  extent,  can  comprehend 
the  utmost  circle  of  science  :  "  Better  is  it  to  be  of  an 
humble  spirit"  with  the  ignorant,  "  than  to  divide 
the  spoils"  of  learning  "  with  the  proud." 

That  man  acts  indiscreetly,  who  gives  himself  up 
to  the  joy  of  present  riches,  forgetful  of  his  former 
poverty,  and  divested  of  that  chaste  and  holy  fear 
of  God,  which  makes  the  heart  tenderly  apprehen- 
sive of  losing  the  grace  it  has  received.  Nor  has  he 
attained  the  fortitude  of  true  wisdom,  who,  in  the 
day  of  distress  and  sadness,  suffers  his  mind  to  be 
subdued  by  despair,  and  deprived  of  that  absolute 
confidence  in  me,  which  is  my  right,  and  his  own 


124  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

best  support  :  but  those  that  are  most  elate  and  se- 
cure in  time  of  peace,  are  most  fearful  and  dejected 
in  time  of  war. 

Trials  will  contribute  more  to  the  perfection  of 
thy  spirit,  than  the  gratification  of  thy  own  will  in 
the  enjoyment  of  perpetual  sunshine.  The  safety 
and  blessedness  of  man's  state  in  this  life,  are  not  to 
be  estimated  by  the  number  of  his  consolations  ;  nor 
by  his  critical  knowledge  of  Holy  Scripture,  nor 
his  exaltation  to  dignity  and  power  ;  but  by  his  be- 
ing grounded  and  established  in  humility,  and  filled 
with  divine  charity  ;  and  by  seeking,  in  all  he  doth, 
the  glory  of  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

"  Shall  I  take  upon  me  to  speak  unto  my  Lord, 
who  am  but  dust  and  ashes  ?"  If  I  think  too 
highly  of  myself,  and  arrogate  any  excellence,  be- 
hold, thou  standest  in  judgment  against  me,  and  my 
iniquities  oppose  my  claim  by  such  true  and  forcible 
testimony  that  I  can  neither  contradict  nor  elude. 
I  feel  and  acknowledge  the  darkness,  impurity,  and 
wretchedness  of  my  fallen  nature.  When  I  am  left 
to  the  disorderly  workings  of  nature  and  self,  behold, 
I  am  all  weakness  and  misery  !  but  when  thy  light 
breaketh  upon  my  soul,  my  weakness  is  made  strong, 
and  my  misery  turned  into  joy.  And  transcendently 
wonderful  it  is,  that  a  creature,  which,  by  its  aliena* 
tion  from  thee,  is  always  within  the  central  attrao 
lion  of  selfishness  and  sin,  should  be  so  enlightened, 
purified,  and  blessed,  by  a  participation  of  the  divine 
life  !  But  this  astonishing  change  is  the  pure  efTect 
of  thy  infinite  love,  producing  in  me  all  holy  desires, 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  125 

succouring  me  in  all  necessities,  protecting  me  from 
imminent  dangers,  and  delivering  me  from  innumer- 
able unknown  evils. 

By  the  love  of  myself,  I  lost  myself :  but  in  the 
love  and  pursuit  of  thee  alone,  I  have  both  found 
thee,  and  found  myself;  and  this  love,  the  purer  it 
hath  been,  the  more  truly  hath  it  shown  me  my  own 
nothingness  :  for  thou,  O  most  amiable  Saviour,  hast 
been  merciful  unto  me,  beyond  all  that  I  could  either 
ask,  or  hope,  or  conceive. 

Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  God  !  that,  unworthy  as 
I  am  of  the  least  of  all  thy  mercies,  thou  continuest  to 
heap  such  innumerable  benefits  upon  me.  But  thy 
love  embraceth  all,  perpetually  imparting  light  and 
blessings  even  to  the  ungrateful,  and  those  that  are 
wandered  far  from  thee.  0  turn  us  back  to  thee 
again,  that  we  may  be  thankful,  humble,  and  wholly 
devoted  to  thy  will  :  for  thou  art  our  wisdom,  our 
strength,  our  righteousness,  our  sanctification  and 
redemption  ! 


CHAPTER  VII. 

All  things  are  to  he  referred  to  God. 

CHRIST. 

If  thou  wouldst  be  truly  blessed,  my  son,  make  me 
the  supreme  and  ultimate  end  of  all  thy  thoughts  and 
desires,  thy  actions  and  pursuits.  This  will  spirit- 
ualize and  purify  thy  affections,  which  by  an  evil 


lab  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

tendency  are  too  often  perverted  to  th3^se]f  and  the 
creatures  that  surround  thee  :  but  if  thou  seekest  thy- 
self in  the  complacential  honors  of  assumed  excel- 
lence, or  in  the  enjoyment  of  any  good  which  thou 
supposest  inherent  in  the  creatures,  thou  wilt  only 
find,  both  in  thyself  and  them,  the  imbecility  and  bar- 
renness of  fallen  nature.  Refer,  therefore,  all  things 
to  me,  as  the  giver  of  "  every  perfect  gift ;"  the 
supreme  good,  from  whom  all  excellence  in  the 
creatures  is  derived,  and  to  whom  alone  the  praise 
of  excellence  is  due. 

From  me,  as  from  a  living  fountain,  the  little  and 
the  great,  the  rich  and  the  poor,  draw  the  water 
of  life  ;  and  he  that  willingly  and  freely  drinks  it  to 
my  glory,  shall  receive  grace  for  grace:  but  he  that 
glories  in  any  thing  distinct  from  me,  or  delights  in 
any  good  not  referred  to  me,  but  ai)propriated  as  his 
own,  cannot  be  established  in  true  peace,  nor  find 
rest  and  enlargement  of  heart;  but  must  meet  with 
obstruction,  disappointment,  and  anguish,  in  every 
desire,  and  every  pursuit.  Do  not,  therefore,  arro- 
gate good  to  thyself,  nor  ascribe  good  to  any  other 
creature  ;  but  render  all  to  me  thy  God,  without 
whom,  not  only  man,  but  universal  nature,  is  mere 
want  and  wretchedness.  I,  who  have  given  all,  de- 
mand it  back  in  grateful  acknowledgement,  and  re- 
quire of  every  creature  the  tribute  of  humble  thanks- 
giving, and  continual  praise.  In  the  splendor  of  this 
truth,  all  vain-glory  vanisheth,  as  darkness  before 
the  sun. 

When  divine  light  and  love  have  taken  possession 
of  thy  heart,  it  will  no  longer  be  the  prey  of  envy. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  127 

hatred,  and  paitial  affections  ;  fjr  by  div^ine  light  and 
love,  the  darkness  and  selfishness  of  fallen  nature  are 
totally  subdued,  and  all  its  faculties  restored  to  their 
original  perfection.  If,  therefore,  thou  art  truly 
wise,  thou  wilt  hope  only  in  me,  and  rejoice  only  in 
me,  as  thy  everlasting  life  and  light,  perfection  and 
glory  :  for  "  there  is  but  one  that  is  good,  that  is 
God;"  who  is  to  be  blessed  and  praised  above  all, 
and  in  all. 

DISCIPLE. 
I  will  now  speak  again  unto  my  Lord,  and  will 
not  be  silent ;  I  will  say  to  my  King,  and  my  God, 
who  sitteth  in  the  highest  heaven,  "O  how  great "  and 
manifold  are  the  treasures  of  "  thy  goodness,  which 
thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee  ! "  But 
what  art  thou,  O  Lord,  to  those  that  love  thee  with 
all  their  heart  ?  Truly,  the  exquisite  delight  derived 
from  that  privilege  of  pure  contemplation  with  which 
thou  hast  invested  them,  surpasseth  the  power  of 
every  creature  to  express.  How  free,  and  how  ex- 
alted above  all  blessing  and  praise,  is  that  goodness 
which  thou  hast  manifested  towards  thy  poor  ser- 
vant ;  which  not  only  called  him  into  being,  but, 
when  he  had  wandered  far  from  thee,  by  its  redeem- 
ing virtue  brought  him  back  to  thee  again,  and  't\4th 
the  command  to  love  thee,  conferred  the  power  to 
fulfil  it  !  O  source  of  everlasting  love  !  what  shall 
I  say  concerning  thee  !  How  can  I  forget  thee, 
who  hast  condescended  to  remember  me,  pining 
away  and  perishing  in  the  j)Overty  of  sinful  nature, 
and  to  restore  me  to  the  divine  hfe  !  Beyond  all 
hope  thou  hast  shown  mercy  to  thy  servant,  and 


123  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

beyond  all  thought  hast  made  him  capable  of  thy 
friendship,  and  dignified  and  blessed  him  with  it.  Poor 
and  impotent  as  I  am  in  myself,  what  can  I  render 
thee  for  such  distinguished  grace  ?  for  it  is  not  giv- 
en unto  all,  to  renounce  this  fallen  state ;  and,  in 
abstraction  from  the  cares  and  pleasures  of  the  world, 
to  follow  thee  in  "  the  narrow  path  that  leadeth  un- 
to life." 

But  is  it  a  foundation  of  boasting,  thus  to  serve 
thee,  whom  all  creatures  are  bound  to  serve  ?  In- 
stead, therefore,  of  considering  this  call  from  vanity 
and  sin,  with  self-complacency  and  approbation,  as 
a  superior  distinction  from  other  men  ;  I  ought 
rather  to  be  lost  in  admiration  and  praise  of  thy  con- 
descending goodness,  which  has  received  so  poor  and 
unworthy  a  creature  into  thy  family,  and  exalted 
him  to  the  fellowship  of  thy  faithful  and  beloved  ser- 
vants. 

Lord,  all  that  I  have,  all  the  ability  by  which  1 
am  made  capable  of  serving  thee,  is  thine  ;  and  thou, 
therefore,  rather  servest  me.  Behold  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  which  are  continually  ready  to  exe- 
cute thy  will,  are  made  subservient  to  the  redemp- 
tion of  fallen  man  ;  and  what  is  more,  thy  holy  "  an- 
gels are  ordained  ministering  spirits,  and  sent  forth 
to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salva- 
tion ! "  and,  what  infinitely  transcendeth  all,  thou, 
the  God  of  angels,  hast  condescended  to  take  upon 
thee  "  the  form  of  a  servant "  to  man,  and  hast  pro- 
mised to  give  him  thyself ! 

What  returns  of  love  and  duty  can  I  make  thee, 
for.  these  innumerable  and  astonishing  dignities  and 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  129 

blessings  ?  O  that  I  were  able  to  sen^e  thee  all  the 
days  of  my  life  !  that  I  were  able  to  serve  thee  truly, 
though  but  for  one  day  !  Thou  art  everlastingly 
worthy  of  all  service,  all  honor,  and  all  praise  !  Thou 
art  my  gracious  Lord;  and  I  am  thy  poor  vassal,  un- 
der infinite  obligations  to  serve  thee  with  all  my 
strength,  and  perpetually  to  celebrate  thy  glorious 
name.  To  do  this,  is  the  sole  wish  and  desire  of  my 
heart ;  and  whatever  ability  is  wanting  in  me  to  ac- 
complish it,  do  thou  in  much  mercy  supply  ! 

What  exalted  honor,  what  unsullied  glory,  to  be 
devoted  to  thy  service,  and,  for  thy  sake,  to  despise 
this  fallen  life,  and  all  that  is  at  enmity  against  thee  ! 
What  large  measures  of  grace  are  poured  upon  those 
who  voluntarily  subject  themselves  to  thy  most  holy 
laws !  WTiat  ravishing  consolations  do  they  receive 
from  thy  Holy  Spirit,  who,  for  the  love  of  thee,  re- 
nounce the  delights  of  the  flesh  !  What  divine  free- 
dom do  they  enjoy,  who,  for  the  glory  of  thy  holy 
name,  leave  "  the  broad  way  "  of  the  world,  "  that 
leadeth  to  destruction ;"  and  entering  in  at  "  the 
strait  gate,"  persevere  in  "  the  narrow  path  that 
leadeth  unto  Ufe  !" 

O  happy  and  honorable  service,  that  makes  man 
truly  free  and  truly  holy  !  O  blessed  privilege  of 
filial  adoption,  that  numbers  him  with  the  family  of 
heaven,  makes  him  equal  to  the  angels,  and  renders 
him  terrible  to  evil  spirits,  and  delightful  to  all  that 
are  sanctified  !  O  service  for  ever  to  be  desired 
and  embraced  ;  in  which  we  can  enjoy  the  supreme 
and  everlasting  good  ! 


130  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  Government  of  the  Heart. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  there  are  many  things  in  which  thou  art  not 
yet  sufficiently  instructed. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  show  me  what  they  are,  and  enable  me  to 
understand  and  do  them. 

CHRIST. 

Thy  desires  must  be  wholly  referred  to  me ;  and, 
instead  of  loving  thyself,  and  following  thy  own  par- 
tial views,  thou  must  love  only  my  vAW,  and  in  resig- 
nation and  obedience  be  zealous  to  fulfil  it. 

When  desire  burns  in  thy  heart,  and  urges  thee  on 
some  pursuit,  suspend  its  influence  for  a  while,  and 
consider,  whether  it  is  kindled  by  the  love  of  my  hon- 
or, or  thy  own  personal  advantage.  If  I  am  the  pure 
principle  that  gives  it  birth,  thou  mayst  yield  thyself 
to  its  impulse  without  fear  ;  and,  whatever  I  ordain, 
thou  wilt  enjoy  the  event  in  tranquillity  and  peace  : 
but  if  it  be  self-seeking,  hidden  under  the  disguise  of 
zeal  for  me,  behold,  this  will  T)roduce  obstruction, 
disappointment,  and  distress.  It  is  always  necessary 
to  resist  the  sensual  appetite,  and  by  steady  opposition 
subdue  its  power ;  to  regard  not  what  the  flesh  likes 
or  dislikes,  but  to  labor  to  bring  it,  whether  with  or 
against  its  will,  under  subjection  to  the  spirit.  And 
it  must  be  thus  opposed,  and  thus  compelled  to  abso- 
lute obedience,  till  it  is  ready  to  obey  in  all  things  ; 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  131 

and  has  learned  to  be  content  in  every  condition,  to 
accept  of  the  most  ordinary  accommodations,  and 
not  to  murmur  at  the  greatest  inconvenience. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  my  God,  from  thy  instructions,  and  my 
own  experience,  I  learn  the  absolute  necessity  of 
patience  :  for  this  fallen  state  is  full  of  adversity  ;  and 
whatever  care  I  take  to  secure  peace,  my  present  life 
is  a  continual  trouble  and  warfare. 

CHRIST. 

This,  my  son,  will.be  the  invariable  condition  of 
man,  till  every  root  of  evil  is  taken  from  him.  But 
peace,  so  far  from  being  found  in  a  state  that  is  free 
from  temptation,  and  undisturbed  by  adversit}^,  is  de- 
rived only  from  the  exercise  of  much  tribulation,  and 
the  trial  of  many  sufferings.  Thinkest  tho  u,  that  the 
men  of  this  world  are  exempt  from  suffering,  or  have 
but  an  inconsiderable  portion  .'*  Thou  wilt  not  find  it 
thus,  though  thou  searchest  among  the  most  prosper- 
ous and  the  most  luxurious.  Wilt  thou  say,  that  in 
the  free  indulgence  of  their  own  will,  and  the  enjoy- 
ment of  perpetual  delight,  their  hearts  are  insensible 
to  sorrow.''  And  how  long,  dost  thou  think,  this  un- 
controlled licentiousness,  and  this  uninterrupted  en- 
joyment of  sensual  pleasure,  will  last  ?  Behold,  the 
mighty,  tlie  wise,  and  the  rich,  shall  vanish  like 
the  cloud  driven  by  tempest,  and  there  shall  be  no 
remembrance  of  their  honors  or  delights  !  Even 
while  they  live,  the  enjoyment  of  what  they  have  is 
imbittered  by  the  want  of  what  they  have  not ;  is 
either  made  tasteless  by  satiety,  or  disturbed  by  fear ; 


132  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

and  that,  from  which  they  expected  to  derive  pleas- 
ure, becomes  the  source  of  pain. 

O  how  transient  and  false,  how  impure  and 
disgraceful,  are  mere  earth-born  pleasures  !  Yet, 
wretched  man,  intoxicated  by  perpetual  draughts, 
and  blinded  by  custom,  is  insensible  of  the  poison  he 
imbibes  ;  and  for  the  momentary  delights  of  an  ani- 
mal and  corruptible  life,  incurs  the  danger  of  eter- 
nal death  ! 

Do  thou,  therefore,  my  son,  restrain  the  appetites 
of  the  flesh,  and  turn  away  from  thy  own  will:  "  De- 
light thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  give  thee  the 
desires  of  thy  heart."  If  thou  wouldst  truly  delight 
in  me,  and  be  plentifully  enriched  with  the  joys  of  my 
Spirit,  know,  that  such  blessedness  depends  upon  the 
conquest  of  the  world,  arid  the  renunciation  of  its 
sordid  and  transitory  pleasures  ;  and  the  more  thou 
abandonest  the  desire  of  finite  good,  the  more  truly 
wilt  thou  enjoy  that  infinite  good  which  dwells  in  me. 

But  to  the  enjoyment  of  infinite  good,  thou  canst 
not  attain  at  once  ;  nor  without  patient  perseverance 
and  laborious  conflict.  Inveterate  evil  habits  will 
produce  an  opposition,  which  can  only  be  overcome 
by  habits  of  holiness.  The  flesh  will  murmur  and 
rebel;  and  it  is  only  by  increasing  fervor  of  spirit  that 
it  can  be  silenced  and  subdued.  The  old  serpent 
will  deceive  and  trouble  thee,  and  tempt  thee  to  re- 
volt; but  he  must  be  put  to  flight  by  ardent  prayer; 
and  his  future  approaches  opposed  by  earnest  vigi- 
lance and  continual  employment  in  some  holy  exer- 
cise, or  innocent  and  useful  labor. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  133 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Of  obedience  and  self-abasement. 

CHRIST. 

He  that  doth  not  freely  and  voluntarily  submit 
to  that  superiority,  under  which  my  providence  has 
placed  him,  demonstrates,  that  the  flesh  is  not  yet 
overcome.  If,  therefore,  my  son,  thou  desirest  to 
subdue  thy  own  flesh,  learn  ready  and  cheerful  sub- 
mission to  the  will  of  thy  superiors  :  for  that  out- 
ward enemy  will  be  much  sooner  overcome,  if  the 
mind  is  kept  under  strict  discipline,  and  not  suffered 
to  waste  its  strength  in  dissipation  and  indulgence. 
There  is  not  a  more  violent  or  more  dangerous  ene^ 
my  than  thy  fleshly  nature,  when  it  does  not  freely 
consent  to  the  law  of  the  Spirit:  thou  must,  there- 
fore, be  established  in  true  self-abasement,  if  thou 
wouldst  prevail  against  flesh  and  blood. 

It  is  the  inordinate  love  thou  still  indulgest  for 
thy  fallen  self,  that  makes  thee  abhor  submission 
to  the  will  of  others.  Is  it  a  great  thing  ibr  thee, 
who  art  dust  and  ashes,  to  submit  to  man  for  the 
Iqye  of  God  ;  when  I,  the  Supreme  and  Almighty, 
who  created  all  things,  submitted  to  man,  for  the 
love  of  the*  .''  I  became  the  least  and  lowest  of 
all,  that  human  pride  might  be  subdued  by  my  hT> 
mility.  Learn,  therefore,  to  obey,  O  dust  !  leam 
to  humble  thyself,  thou  that  art  but  earth  and  clay, 
and  to  bow  down  beneath  the  feet  of  all  men  ! 
Learn  to  break  the  perverse  inclinations  of  thy  own 


134  IMITATION    OF    CHilIST. 

will,  that  with  ready  compliance  thou  maj^st  yield 
to  all  demands  of  obedience,  by  whomsoever  made. 
With  holy  indignation  against  thyself,  su])press  eve- 
ry intumescence  of  pride,  till  it  can  no  longer  rise  up 
within  thee  ;  and  till  thou  art  so  little  and  worthless 
in  thy  own  eyes,  that  men  may  walk  over  thee,  and 
as  the  dust  of  which  thou  art  made,  trample  thee 
under  foot.  What  hast  thou  to  com})lain  of,  who 
art  vanity  itself.''  What,  O  base  and  unworthy 
sinner,  canst  thou  answer  to  those  who  reproach 
and  condemn  thee,  thou  who  hast  so  often  offended 
God,  and  incurred  his  terrible  wrath  f  But  thy 
life  was  precious  in  my  sight,  and  my  eye  hath 
spared  thee,  that  thou  "  mayst  know  my  love,  which 
passe  th  knowledge  ;"  and  in  a  perpetual  sense  of 
my  mercy  and  thy  own  unworthiness,  devote  thy- 
self to  unfeigned  humility,  cheerful  submission,  and 
a  patient  bearing  of  the  contempt  of  mankind. 

DISCIPLE. 

1  stand  astonished,  when  I  consider  that  the  hea- 
vens are  not  clean  in  thy  sight.  If  thou  hast  found 
folly  and  impurity  in  angels,  and  hast  net  spared 
even  them,  what  will  become  of  me.''  If  the  stars 
have  "  fallen  from  heaven ;  if  Lucifer,  son  of  the 
morning,"  hath  not  kept  his  place ;  shall  I,  that  am 
but  dust,  dare  to  presume  upon  my  own  stability  .'' 
Many  whose  holiness  had  raised  them  to  exalted 
honor,  have  been  degraded  by  sin  to  infamy ;  and 
those  that  have  fed  upon  the  bread  of  angels,  1 
have  seen  delighted  with  the  husks  of  swine. 

There  is  no  holiness,  if  thou,  Lord,  withdraw  thy 
presence  j  no  wisdom  profiteth,  if  thy  Spirit  cease  to 


IMITATIOJS   OF  CHRIST.  135 

direct ;  no  strength  availeth,  without  th}'  support  ; 
no  chastity  is  sale,  without  thy  protection;  no  watch- 
fulness effectual,  when  thy  holy  vigilance  is  not  our 
guard.  No  sooner  are  we  left  to  ourselves,  than 
the  waves  of  corruption  rush  upon  us,  and  we  sink  ; 
but  if  thou  reach  forth  thy  omnipotent  hand,  we 
walk  upon  the  sea.  In  our  ovrn  nature  we  are  un- 
settled as  the  sand  upon  the  mountain  ;  but  in  thee, 
we  have  the  stability  of  the  throne  of  heaven  :  we 
are  cold  and  insensible  as  darkness  and  death  ;  but 
are  kindled  into  light  and  life  by  the  fire  of  thy  love. 

How  worthless  and  vain  should  I  deem  the  good 
that  ajipears  to  be  mine  !  With  what  profound  hu- 
mility, O  Lord,  ought  I  to  cast  myself  into  the  abyss 
of  thy  judgments,  where  I  continually  find  myself  to 
bd  nothing  !  O  depth  immense  !  Where,  now,  is 
the  lurking-place  of  human  glory ;  where  the  confi- 
dence of  human  virtue  ?  In  the  awful  deep  of  thy 
judgments  which  cover  me,  all  self-confidence  and 
self-glory  are  swallowed  up  for  ever  ! 

Lord,  what  is  all  fiesh  in  thy  sight  ?  Shall  the 
clay  glory  against  him  that  f  jrmed  it  ?  Can  that 
heart  be  elated  by  the  vain  apjjlause  of  men,  that 
has  felt  the  blessing  of  submission  to  the  will  of  God .'' 
The  whole  world  has  not  power  to  exalt  that,  which 
truth  has  subjected  to  himself;  nor  can  the  united 
praise  of  every  tongue  move  him,  whose  hope  is 
established  in  thee  :  for  those  that  utter  praise,  be- 
hold they  also  are  nothing,  like  those  that  hear  it  ! 
they  shall  both  pass  away  and  be  lost,  as  the  sound 
of  their  own  words  ;  but "  the  truth  of  the  Lord  en- 
dureth  for  ever  !  " 


136  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Resignation  to  the  Divine  Will. 

CHRIST. 

Let  this,  my  son,  be  the  language  of  all  thy  re- 
quests :  "  Lord,  if  it  be  pleasing  to  thee,  may  this  be 
granted,  or  withheld.  Lord,  if  this  tend  to  thy 
honor,  let  it  be  done  in  thy  name.  If  Ihou  seest  that 
this  is  expedient  for  me,  and  will  promote  my  sancti- 
fication,  then  grant  it  me,  and  with  it  grace  to  use 
it  to  thy  glory  :  but  if  thou  knoAvest  it  will  prove 
hurtful,  and  not  conduce  to  the  health  of  my  soul, 
remove  far  from  me  my  desire."  For  every  desire 
that  appears  to  man  right  and  good,  is  not  born  from 
heaven  ;  and  it  is  difficult  always  to  determine  truly, 
whether  desire  is  prompted  by  the  good  Spirit  of 
God,  or  the  evil  spirit  of  the  enemy,  or  thy  own  sel- 
fish spirit ;  so  that  many  hav^e  found  themselves  in- 
volved in  evil,  by  the  suggestions  of  Satan,  or  the 
impulse  of  self-love,  who  thought  themselves  under 
the  influence  and  conduct  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Whatever,  therefore,  presents  itself  to  the  mind  as 
good,  let  it  be  desired  and  asked  in  the  fear  of  God, 
and  with  profound  humility  ;  but  especially,  with  a 
total  resignation  of  thy  own  will,  refer  both  the  desire 
itself  and  the  accomplishment  of  it  to  me,  and  say, 
"  Lord,  thou  knowest  what  is  best :  let  this  or  that 
be  done,  according  to  thy  will.  Give  me  what  thou 
wilt ;  and  in  what  measure,  and  at  what  time  thou 
wilt.    Do  with  me  as  thou  knowest  to  be  best,  as 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  137 

most  pleaseth  thee,  and  will  tend  most  to  thy  honor. 
Place  me  where  thou  wilt,  and  freely  dispose  of  me 
in  all  things.  Lo,  I  am  in  thy  hands  ;  lead  and  turn 
me  whithersoever  thou  pleasest :  I  am  thy  servant, 
prepared  for  all  submission  and  obedience.  I  desire 
not  to  live  to  myself,  but  to  thee  :  0  grant  it  may 
be  truly  and  worthily  !" 

DISCIPLE. 

Send  thy  Spirit  most  merciful  Jesus,  "  from  the 
throne  of  thy  glory,"  that  it  may  be  "  present  with 
me,  and  labor  with  me,"  and  illuminate,  sanctify, 
and  bless  me  for  ever  !  Enable  me  always  to  will 
and  desire  that  vvliich  is  most  dear  and  acceptable  to 
thee.  Let  thy  will  be  wholly  mine  :  let  it  reign  sc 
powerfully  in  me,  that  it  may  not  be  possible  for  me 
to  oppose  it,  nor  to  like  or  dislike  anything  but  what 
is  pleasing  or  displeasing  in  thy  sight  ! 

Enable  me  to  die  to  the  riches  and  honors,  the 
cares  and  pleasures,  of  this  fallen  world  ;  and  in  imi- 
tation of  thee,  and  for  thy  sake,  to  love  obscurity, 
and  to  bear  contempt.  But  transcending  all  I  can 
desire,  grant  that  I  may  rest  in  thee,  and  in  thy 
peace  possess  my  soul !  Thou  art  its  true  peace, 
thou  art  its  only  rest ;  for,  without  thee,  it  is  all 
darkness,  disorder,  and  disquietude.  In  this  peace, 
O  Lord,  even  in  thee,  the  supreme  and  everlasting 
good,  I  will  "  sleep  and  take  my  rest." 


12 


138  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

True  Comfort  to  be  found  only  in  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

Whatever  I  can  desire  or  conceive  as  essential 
to  my  peace,  cannot  be  the  production  of  this  world, 
and  in  this  world  let  me  not  seek  it.  If  all  the  good 
of  the  present  life  was  within  my  reach,  and  I  had 
both  liberty  and  capacity  for  its  enjoyment,  I  know 
that  it  is  not  only  changeable  and  evanescent,  but 
is  bounded  by  the  grave.  Thy  full  consolation  and 
perfect  delight,  therefore,  O  my  soul,  are  to  be  found 
only  in  God,  the  comfort  of  the  poor,  and  the  ex- 
altation of  the  humble.  Wait  a  little  while,  wait 
with  patience  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  divine 
promise,  which  cannot  fail,  and  thou  shalt  enjoy  the 
plenitude  of  good  in  heaven.  By  the  pursuit  of 
earthly  and  finite  good,  thou  losest  that  which  is  ce- 
lestial and  infinite  :  use  this  world,  therefore,  as  "  a 
pilgrim  and  a  stranger,"  and  make  only  the  next  the 
object  of  desire. 

It  is  impossible  thou  shouldst  be  satisfied  with 
temporal  good,  because  thou  wert  not  formed  for  it ; 
and  though  all  that  the  creatures  comprehend  was  in 
thy  possession,  thou  wouldst  be  still  unblessed.  It  is 
in  the  Creator,  the  supreme  God  alone,  that  all  bles- 
sedness consists  ;  not  such  as  is  extolled  and  sought 
after  by  the  foolish  lovers  of  the  world,  but  such  as 
the  faithful  Christian  admires  and  sighs  for  ;  such  as 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  jl^^ 

the  pure  iii  heart,  whose  "  conversation  is  in  heaven," 
are  sometimes  permitted  to  foretaste. 

How  vain  and  transient  is  all  human  comfort  ! 
how  substantial  and  permanent,  that  which  is  deriv- 
ed from  the  Sj)irit  of  Truth  living  and  ruling  in 
the  soul  !  The  regenerate  man  continually  turneth 
to  Jesus,  the  comforter  within  him,  and  saith,  "  Be 
present  with  me,  Lord  Jesus  !  in  all  places,  and  at 
all  times.  May  I  find  consolation,  in  being  willing 
to  bear  the  want  of  all  human  comfort.  And  if 
thy  consolation  also  be  withdrawn,  let  thy  will  and 
righteous  probation  of  me,  be  to  me  as  the  highest 
comfort ;  for  "  thou  wilt  not  always  chide,  neither 
^vilt  thou  keep  thine  anger  for  ever  ! " 

CHRIST. 

Son,  suffer  me  always  to  dispose  of  thee,  according 
to  my  will  ;  for  that  which  is  most  profitable  and 
expedient  for  thee,  is  known  only  to  me.  Thy 
thoughts  are  the  thoughts  of  a  man,  and  partial  af- 
fections pei-vert  thy  judgment. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  all  thy  words  are  truth  !  Thy  care  over  me 
is  infinitely  greater  than  all  the  care  I  can  take  for 
myself  His  dependence  is  utterly  vain,  who  cast- 
eth  not  all  his  care  upon  thee. 

Bring  my  will,  O  Lord,  into  true  and  unalterable 
subjection  to  thine,  and  do  with  me  what  thou  pleas- 
est;  for  whatever  is  done  by  thee,  cannot  but  be 
good.  If  thou  pourest  thy  light  upon  me,  and  turn- 
est  my  night  into  day,  blessed  be  thy  name ;  and 
if  thou  leavest  me  in  darkness,  blessed  also  be  thy 


140  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

name  ;  if  thou  exaltest  me  with  the  consolations  of 
thy  Sj)irit,  or  humblest  me  under  the  afflictions  of 
fallen  nature,  still  may  thy  holy  name  be  for  ever 


CHRIST. 

Let  this,  O  my  son,  be  the  prevailing  temper  of 
thy  spirit,  if  thou  wouldst  live  in  union  with  me  : 
thou  must  he  as  ready  to  suffer,  as  to  rejoice ;  as 
willing  to  be  poor  and  needy,  as  to  be  full  and  rich. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  I  will  freely  suffer  for  thy  sake,  whatever 
affliction  thou  permittest  to  come  upon  me  :  I  will 
indifferently  receive  from  thee,  sweet  and  bitter,  joy 
and  sorrow,  good  and  evil.  For  all  that  befalleth 
me,  I  will  thank  the  love  that  prompts  the  gift,  and 
reverence  the  hand  that  confers  it.  Keep  me  only 
from  sin,  and  I  will  fear  neither  death  nor  hell  :  cast 
me  not  off  for  ever,  nor  blot  my  name  out  of  the  book 
of  life,  and  no  tribulation  shall  have  power  to  hurt 
me. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

The  Miseries  of  this  Life  to  be  borne  with  Patience. 

CHRIST. 

I  CAME  down  from  heaven,  my  son,  for  thy  salva- 
tion; and  took  upon  me  the  miseries  of  thy  sinful 
nature,  not  from  constraint  but  love,  that  thou 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  141 

mightst  learn  patience,  and  bear,  without  murmur- 
ing, the  evils  of  thy  fallen  state.  From  the  hour  of 
my  birth  in  the  flesh,  to  the  hour  of  my  expiration  on 
the  cross,  I  found  no  intermission  of  sorrow  :  I  felt 
the  extreme  want  of  the  necessaries  of  life  :  I  heard 
the  continual  murmurings  of  the  world  against  me, 
in  silence,  and  bore  with  meekness  its  reproach  and 
scorn  :  my  benefits  were  treated  with  ingratitude,  my 
miracles  with  blasphemy,  and  my  heavenly  doctrine 
with  misrepresentation  and  reproof. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  !  since  thou,  in  whom  was  no  sin,  hast, 
by  a  life  of  patience  and  obedience,  fulfilled  thy  Fa- 
ther's will  j  it  is  meet  that  I,  a  most  wretched  sin- 
ner, should  patiently  fulfil  thy  ^vill  and  bear  the  evils 
of  my  fallen  state,  till  the  purposes  of  thy  redeeming 
love  are  accomplished. 

Though  the  present  life  be  in  itself  a  grievous 
burden,  j^et,  through  the  power  of  thy  grace,  and  the 
influence  of  thy  example,  and  that  of  the  saints  who 
have  followed  thy  steps,  it  is  made  supportable  even 
to  the  weak.  It  is  also  enriched  with  comforts  that 
were  not  experienced  under  the  law,  when  the  gate 
of  paradise  was  obscured  with  shadows,  and  so  few 
desired  to  seek  after  the  kingdom  of  God.  Nor  could 
even  those  whom  thou  hadst  chosen  to  salvation,  and 
numbered  among  thejust,  "  enter  into  the  holiest," 
till,  by  thy  stupendous  passion  and  bitter  death,  "  a 
new  and  living  way  "  was  consecrated  for  them. 

O  what  thankfulness  and  praise  are  we  bound  to 
render  thee,  who  hast  thus  condescended  to  open,  for 


142  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

every  faithful  soul,  a  good  and  sure  way  to  thy  eter- 
nal kingdom !  Thy  life,  O  Lord,  is  our  true  way  ; 
and  in  the  exercise  of  that  holy  patience  which  thy 
Spirit  inspires,  we  approach  nearer  to  thee,  who  art 
our  righteousness  and  crown  of  glory.  If  thou  hadst 
not  shown  us  the  path  to  life,  and  led  us  on  by  the 
united  aid  of  thy  example  and  thy  grace,  who  could 
have  found  it,  or  who  would  have  desired  or  been 
able  to  walk  in  it  ?  If,  blessed  as  we  are,  not  only 
with  the  splendor  of  thy  miracles  and  precepts,  but 
with  the  irradiations  of  thy  own  Spirit,  we  are  still 
cold,  and  indisposed  to  follow  thee,  what  should  we 
have  been,  if  left  in  the  darkness  of  fallen  nature.'' 

CHRIST. 

What  hast  thou  said,  my  son  ?  In  the  contem- 
plation of  my  passion,  and  of  the  sufferings  of  those 
who  have  "  followed  me  in  the  regeneration,"  sup- 
press thy  complaints :  "  thou  hast  not  yet  resisted 
unto  blood."  What  are  thy  labors  compared  with 
those  saints,  w4io  have  been  so  poAverfuUy  tempted, 
so  grievously  afflicted,  so  variously  tried  and  exer- 
cised .''  In  the  remembrance  of  theirs  which  were 
so  heavy,  thou  should  st  forget  thy  own  which  are 
so  light.  That  thou  thinkest  thy  sufferings  not  light, 
is  owing  to  the  impatience  of  self-love  :  but  whether 
they  are  light  or  heavy,  endeavour  to  bear  all  Avith 
patient  submission. 

The  more  truly  thou  disposest  thyself  to  suffer, 
the  more  wisely  dost  thou  act,  and  the  greater  will 
be  thy  recompense.  By  fortitude  and  habitual  suf- 
fering, the  severest  evils  are  disarmed  of  their  sting. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  143 

Say  not,  "  I  cannot  brook  this  injury  from  such  a 
man ;  and  the  injury  itself  is  what  I  ought  not  to 
bear ;  for  he  has  done  me  irreparable  wrong,  and 
reproached  me  for  evil  that  never  entered  my 
thoughts.  From  any  other  person  I  could  have 
borne  it  without  emotion  ;  and  there  are  many  things 
that  it  is  fit  I  should  suffer."  These  are  foolish  dis- 
tinctions, founded  only  on  the  nature  of  the  offence, 
and  the  relation  of  the  person  who  commits  it,  but 
regard  not  the  virtue  of  patience,  nor  by  whom  it 
w411  finally  be  crowned. 

He  is  not  patient,  who  will  suffer  but  a  certain 
degree  of  evil,  and  only  from  particular  persons. 
The  truly  patient  man  considers  not  by  whom  his 
trials  come,  whether  by  his  superior,  his  equal,  or 
his  inferior ;  whether  by  the  good  and  holy,  or  by 
the  impious  and  the  wicked.  But  whatever  be  the 
adversity  that  befalls  him,  however  often  it  is  re- 
newed, or  by  whomsoever  it  is  administered,  he  r&- 
ceives  all  with  thankfulness,  as  from  the  hand  of 
God,  and  esteems  it  great  gain.  There  is  no  suffer- 
mg,  be  it  ever  so  small,  that  is  patiently  endured  for 
the  sake  of  God,  which  will  not  be  honored  with  his 
acceptance  and  blessing. 

If  therefore  thou  desirest  to  obtain  victory,  make 
ready  for  the  battle.  The  crown  of  patience  can- 
not be  received  where  there  has  been  no  suffering. 
If  thou  refuse  to  suffer,  thou  refusest  to  be  crown- 
ed ;  but  if  thou  wish  to  be  crowned,  thou  must  fight 
manfully,  and  suffer  patiently :  Without  labor,  none 
can  obtain  rest ;  and  without  contending,  there  can 
be  no  conquest. 


144  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  !  make  that  possible  to  me  by  grace,  which 
I  find  impossible  by  nature. — Thou  knowest,  that  1 
can  bear  but  little,  and  by  the  lightest  adversity  am 
soon  overwhelmed.  Grant  that  every  tribulation 
and  chastisement  may  be  welcome,  yea  even  de- 
sirable to  me,  for  thy  name's  sake  ! 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Confession  of  Personal  Infirmities. 

DISCIPLE. 

I  WILL  "confess  my  transgressions  unto  the 
Lord,"  and  acknowledge  my  infirmity.  How  small 
are  the  afflictions  by  wMch  I  am  often  cast  down, 
and  plunged  in  sorroAV  !  I  resolve  to  act  with  forti- 
tude, but  by  the  slightest  evil  am  confounded  and  dis- 
tressed. From  the  most  inconsiderable  events,  the 
most  grievous  temptations  rise  against  me ;  and 
while  I  think  myself  established  in  security  and  peace, 
the  smallest  blast,  if  it  be  sudden,  hath  power  to 
bear  me  down. 

Behold,  therefore,  O  Lord  !  my  abject  state,  and 
pity  the  infirmity  which  thou  knowest  infinitely 
better  than  myself !  Have  mercy  upon  me,  that 
I  sink  not ;  that  the  deep  may  not  swallow  me  up 
for  ever  !  So  apt  am  I  to  fall,  and  so  weak  and  irre- 
solute in  the  resistance  of  my  passions,  that  I  am 
QDntmually  driven  back  in  the  path  of  life,  and  cover- 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  145 

ed  with  confusion  in  thy  sight.  Though  sin  does  not 
obtain  the  full  consent  of  my  will,  yet  the  assaults 
of  it  are  so  frequent,  and  so  violent,  that  I  am  often 
weary  of  living  in  perpetual  conflict.  My  corruption 
and  weakness  are  experimentally  known  :  for  the  evil 
thoughts  that  rush  upon  me,  take  easy  possession  of 
my  heart,  but  are  with  difficulty  driven  out  again. 

O  that  thou,  the  mighty  God  of  Israel,  the  zealous 
lover  of  faithful  souls,  wouldst  look  down  with 
compassion  on  the  labors  and  sorrows  of  thy  ser- 
vant, and  perfect  and  fulfil  his  desire  of  reunion  with 
thee  !  Strengthen  me  with  heavenly  fortitude,  lest 
the  old  man,  this  miserable  flesh,  w^hich  is  not  yet 
brought  under  subjection  to  the  Spirit,  should  pre- 
vail and  triumph  over  me  :  against  him  I  am  bound 
to  struggle,  as  long  as  I  breathe  in  this  fallen  life. 

Alas  !  what  is  this  life,  which  knows  no  inter- 
mission of  distress  and  sorrow  !  where  snares  are 
laid,  and  enemies  rise,  both  behind  and  before,  on 
the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  !  Wliile  one  tribula- 
tion is  departing,  another  cometh  on  ;  and  before  the 
adversary  is  withdrawn  from  one  severe  conflict,  he 
suddenly  sounds  a  new  alarm  !  And  can  a  life  like 
tliis,  thus  imbittered  with  distress,  thus  filled  with 
corruption,  and  subject  to  such  a  variety  of  evils,  be 
the  object  of  desire  .''  Can  it  even  deserve  the  name 
of  life,  when  it  is  continually  teeming  with  plagues 
and  pains  that  terminate  in  death  ?  Yet  it  is  still 
loved  and  desired  ;  and  many  place  their  whole 
confidence  in  it,  and  seek  their  supreme  happiness 
from  it. 

13 


l46  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

The  world  indeed,  is  frequently  reproached  for  its 
deceitfulness  and  vanity  ;  but  while  carnal  affections 
gov^ern  tlie  heart,  it  is  not  easily  forsaken.  It  is  both 
loved  and  hated  by  those,  who  have  neither  inclma- 
tion  nor  power  to  leave  it :  "  the  lust  of  the  flesh, 
the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,"  being  the 
oflfepring  of  the  world,  love  it  as  their  parent ;  but  as 
these  bring  forth  pain  and  miser}'-,  they  bring  forth 
also,  in  union  with  them,  disgust  and  hatred  of  the 
world.  But  alas  !  wliile  the  soul  is  devoted  to  the 
delights  of  sin,  the  love  of  the  world  still  prevails  ; 
and  because  she  is  a  stranger  to  the  joys  of  the  Spir- 
it, and  hath  neither  tasted  nor  conceived  the  tran- 
scendent sweetness  of  communion  with  God,  she  still 
adheres  to  the  world,  and  notwithstanding  her  mani- 
fold disappointments,  still  hopes  to  find  pleasures 
hidden  under  thorns. 

Those  only  who  live  to  God  in  the  continual  ex- 
ercise of  faith  and  love,  of  patience,  humility,  resig- 
nation, and  obedience,  obtain  the  conquest  of  the 
world  ;  and  enjoy  those  divine  comforts  that  are 
promised  to  every  soul  that  forsakes  all  to  follow 
Christ :  and  those  orly  truly  discern,  how  grievously 
the  lovers  of  the  world  are  mistaken  ;  and  in  how 
many  various  ways  they  are  defrauded  of  happi- 
ness, and  left  destitute  and  wretched. 


IMITATIO-V    OF    CHRIST.  14l 

CHAPTER  XIV 
The  Soul  seeking  Repose  in  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

Tht  repose,  O  my  soul,  is  to  be  found  only  in  the 
supreme  Grod,  the  everlasting  rest  and  blessedness  of 
the  saints  ! 

O  most  lovely,  and  most  loving  Jesus  !  grant  me 
the  will  and  power,  above  all  created  being,  to  rest  in 
thee  :  above  all  health  and  beaut\',  all  glory  and 
honor,  all  power  and  dignity,  all  knowledge  and  wis- 
dom, all  riches  and  all  arts  ;  above  all  promise  and 
hope,  all  holy  desires  and  actions,  all  gifts  and  graces 
which  thou  thyself  canst  bestow,  all  rapture  and 
transport  which  the  heart  is  able  to  receive  :  above 
angels  and  archangels,  and  all  the  hosts  of  heaven ; 
above  all  that  is  visible  and  invisible ;  and  finally 
above  every  thing,  which  thou,  my  God,  art  not  ! 

For  thou,  0  Lord  (Jod  !  art  above  all,  in  all  per- 
fection !  Thou  art  most  high,  most  powerful,  most 
sufficient,  and  most  full  !  Thou  art  most  sweet,  and 
most  abundantly  wmforting  I  Thou  art  most  lovely, 
and  most  lo\'ing  ;  most  noble,  and  most  glorious  ! 
In  thee  all  good  centres,  from  eternity  to  eternity  ! 
Therefore,  whatever  thou  bestowest  on  me,  that  is 
not  thyself ;  whatever  thou  revealest  or  promisest, 
while  I  am  not  permitted  truly  to  behold  and  enjoy 
thee ;  is  insufficient  to  fiD  the  boundless  desires  of  my 
soul,  which,  stretching  beyond  all  creatures,  and 


148  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

even  beyond  all  thy  gifts,  can  only  be  satisfied  in 
union  with  thy  all-perfect  Spirit. 

Dearest  Jesus,  spouse  of  my  soul,  supreme  source 
of  light  and  love,  and  sovereign  Lord  of  universal 
nature  !  O  that  I  had  the  wings  of  true  liberty,  that 
I  might  take  my  flight  to  thee,  and  be  at  rest ! 
When  will  it  be  granted  me,  in  silent  and  peaceful 
abstraction  from  all  created  being,  to  "  taste  and  see 
how  good"  thou  art,  O  Lord,  my  God  I  When 
shall  I  be  wholly  absorbed  in  thy  fulness  !  When 
shall  I  lose,  in  the  love  of  thee,  all  perception  of  my- 
self; and  have  no  sense  of  any  being  but  thine  ! 

Now  I  groan  continually,  and  bear  with  pain  the 
burden  of  my  wretchedness  :  for  innumerable  evils 
spring  up  in  this  vale  of  sin  and  sorrow,  that  darken, 
deceive,  and  distress  my  soul ;  so  that  I  can  have  no 
free  access  to  thee,  nor  enjoy  that  ineffable  commu- 
nion with  thee,  which  is  the  privilege  and  perfection 
of  beatified  spirits.  O  let  my  sighs,  and  the  multipli- 
ed desolation  which  I  suffer,  move  thee. 

Holy  Jesus,  ineffable  splendor  of  eternal  glory, 
sole  comfort  of  the  wandering  soul  !  my  heart  is 
lifted  up  to  thee,  and  without  voice  speaketh  to  thee 
in  "  groanings  that  cannot  be  uttered !  "  How  long 
will  my  Lord  delay  his  coming  ?  O  may  he  come 
to  me,  his  forlorn  creature,  and  turn  my  sorrow  into 
joy  !  May  he  reach  forth  his  Omnipotent  hand,  and 
bid  the  winds  that  howl  about  me,  be  silent ;  and 
the  sea  that  threatens  to  devour  me,  be  calm  I 
''  Come,  O  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly ! "  In  thy 
absence,  no  day  nor  hour  is  joyful  :  for  thou  art  my 
only  joy ;  and  without  thee  my  table  is  empty.    I 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


149 


am  a  wretched  prisoner  in  the  darkness  of  this  fallen 
world,  bound  with  the  cliains  of  sin  and  misery 
till  thou  revivest  me  with  thy  presence,  restorest 
me  to  liberty,  and  liftest  up  the  bglit  of  thy  recon- 
ciled countenance  upon  me. 

Those  that  prefer  the  enjoyments  of  the  world  be- 
fore thee,  seek  that  happiness  which  they  can  never 
find.  I  will  pursue  no  good,  present  or  future,  but 
thee  alone,  my  God,  my  hope,  and  everlasting  sal- 
vation :  nor  will  I  cease  from  my  importunity,  till 
thou  turnest  to  me  again,  and  I  hear  thy  blessed 
voice  speaking  within  me. 

Lord,  I  have  called  upon  thee  in  my  distress,  and 
desire  truly  to  enjoy  thee,  for  I  am  prepared  to  re- 
nounce all  things  for  thy  sake.  It  is  thou  who  hast 
given  me  both  the  will  and  the  power  to  seek  after 
thee  :  and  for  ever  blessed  be  thy  name,  O  Lord  ! 
who,  in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  hast 
shown  this  transcendent  kindness  ! 

What  hath  thy  servant  to  say  more  in  thy  pres- 
ence, but  to  beg,  that  he  may  humble  himself  ex- 
ceedingly before  thee,  and  be  ever  mindful  of  his  own 
darkness,  impurity,  and  malignity.  There  is  none 
like  unto  thee  in  all  the  wonders  of  heaven  4ind 
earth  ;  and  all  that  thou  doest,  is,  like  thyself,  su- 
premely good:  thy  judgments  are  true ;  and  thy  Pro- 
vidence governeth  the  whole  universe,  that  it  may 
finally  partake  of  thy  perfection  and  blessedness. 
Praise  and  glory,  therefore,  be  unto  thee,  0  wisdom 
of  the  Father,  for  ever!  "Bless  the  Lord,  all  his 
works,  in  all  places  of  his  dominion :  bless  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul ! " 


150  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST 

CHAPTER  XV. 

The  Diversity  of  Gifts. 

DISCIPLE. 

Open  my  heart,  O  Lord,  in  thy  law,  and  teach 
me  to  walk  in  thy  commandments.  Give  me  under- 
standing to  know  thy  will ;  and  to  remember,  with 
faithful  recollection,  and  profound  reverence,  thy  in- 
numerable benefits,  as  well  general  as  personal,  that 
I  may  be  always  able  worthily  to  praise  thee,  and 
give  thee  thanks.  I  know,  and  confess,  that  of  my- 
self I  am  not  able  to  render  thee  due  praise  for  thy 
smallest  benefit :  for  I  am  less  than  the  least  of  all 
thy  mercies  ;  and  when  I  attempt  to  contemplate 
thine  excellent  majesty,  my  spirit  fails,  unable  to 
sustain  the  vast  idea. 

All  faculties  of  mind  and  body,  all  endowments 
of  nature,  and  all  advantages  of  grace,  are  the  gifts 
of  thy  hand;  and  proclaim  the  infinite  love  and  mu- 
nificence of  the  Giver,  from  whom  all  good  eternally 
proceeds:  and  though  one  receiveth  more,  and 
another  less,  yet  it  is  all  thine,  and  without  thee  the 
least  portion  cannot  be  enjoyed. 

He  that  hath  received  great  gifts  hath  no  reason 
to  glory,  nor  to  exalt  himself  above  others,  nor  to 
insult  his  brother  who  hath  received  less.  He  is  the 
greatest  and  best,  who  ascribes  least  to  himself,  and 
is  most  devout  and  humble  in  the  acknowledgement 
and  praise  of  that  infinite  liberality  from  which  every 
good  and  perfect  gift  proceeds :  he  only  who  esteems 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  15} 

himself  vile,  and  most  unworthy  of  receiving  the 
least  favor,  is  qualified  to  discern  and  bless  the  boun- 
ty which  confers  the  greatest. 

He  that  hath  received  sparingly,  ought  not,  there- 
fore, to  be  troubled,  to  murmur  at,  or  envy  the  larger 
portion  of  his  wealthy  brother  ;  but  rather,  in  hum- 
ble resignation  to  thy  will,  O  God,  extol  that  univer- 
sal goodness,  which  is  so  abundantly,  freely,  volun- 
tarily, and  without  respect  of  persons,  dispensed  to 
all.  Thou  art  the  inexhaustible  fountain  of  good  ; 
and  for  all  that  flows  from  it,  thou  only  art  to  be 
praised.  Thou  knowest  what  is  fit  to  be  given,  and 
what  to  be  withheld  ;  and  why  one  hath  more,  and 
another  less,  is  not  in  us,  but  in  thee  only  to  discern, 
who  hast  weighed  the  ability  and  state  of  all  crea- 
tures in  thy  righteous  balance. 

Therefore,  O  Lord  God,  I  esteem  it  a  signal  mer- 
cy, that  I  do  not  possess  many  of  those  qualities  and 
endowments  which  in  the  eyes  of  men  appear  glo- 
rious, and  attract  admiration  and  applause.  Did  we 
truly  consider  the  divine  economy  of  providence  and 
grace,  so  far  from  being  disquieted,  grieved,  and  de- 
jected, we  should  rather  derive  comfort,  from  consid- 
ering that  God  has  chosen  the  poor  in  spirit,  the 
humble,  the  self<iespised,  and  the  despised  of  the 
world,  for  intimate  friends,  and  the  children  of  his 
family.  Of  this,  the  apostles  are  eminent  instances, 
who  were  appointed  to  "  sit  on  twelve  thrones,  judg- 
ing the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel."  These  passed  a  life 
of  indignity  and  opposition,  without  complaint;  and 
even  rejoiced  to  "  suffer  shame  for  the  name  of  Je- 
sus ;  "  and  with  ardent  affection  embraced  that  pov- 


152  IMITATION    OF   CHRIST. 

crty  which  the  world  despises,  and  with  unshaken 
})atience  endured  those  afflictions  which  tlie  world 
abhors. 

Nothing,  therefore,  should  give  so  much  joy  to 
the  heart  of  him  that  truly  loveth  thee,  O  God,  and 
is  truly  sensible  of  tliy,undeserved  mercies,  as  the 
})erfect  accomplishment  of  thy  blessed  will,  not  only 
in  his  temporal,  but  in  his  eternal  state.  He  should 
feel  so  much  complacency  and  acquiescence,  as  to  be 
abased  as  w^illingly  as  others  are  exalted  ;  to  be  as 
peaceful  and  contented  in  the  lowest  place,  as  others 
are  in  the  highest ;  and  as  gladly  to  accept  of  a 
state  of  weakness  and  meanness,  as  others  do  of  the 
most  splendid  honors,  and  the  most  extensive  power. 
The  accomplishment  of  thy  will,  and  the  glory  of 
thy  name,  should  transcend  all  other  considerations, 
and  produce  more  comfort  and  peace  than  all  the 
personal  benefits  wdiich  have  been,  or  can  possibly 
be  conferred. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Four  Steps  that  lead  to  Peace. 

CHRIST. 

I  WILL  now  teach  thee,  my  son,  the  way  to  peace, 
and  to  true  liberty  of  spirit. 

DISCIPLE. 

Gracious  Lord !  do  what  thou  hast  condescended 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  15S 

to  offer.     Such  instruction  I  shall  rejoice  to  hear, 
for  such  I  greatly  need. 

CHRIST. 

1 .  Constantly  endeavour  to  do  the  will  of  another, 
rather  than  thy  own  : 

2.  Constantly  choose  rather  to  want  less,  than  to 
have  more : 

3.  Constantly  choose  the  lowest  place,  and  to  be 
humble  to  all  :  and 

4.  Constantly  desire  and  pray,  that  the  will  of 
God  may  be  perfectly  accomplished  in  thee,  and  con- 
cerning thee. 

Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  he  that  doeth  this,  enters 
into  the  region  of  rest  and  peace. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord  !  this  short  lesson  teacheth  great  perfection  ; 
it  is  expressed  in  few  words,  but  it  is  replete  with 
truth  and  fruitfulness.  If  I  could  faithfully  observe 
it,  trouble  would  not  so  easily  rise  up  within  me  ;  for 
as  often  as  I  find  myself  disquieted  and  oppressed,  I 
know  I  have  wandered  from  the  strait  path  which 
thou  hast  now  pointed  out.  But  do  thou,  O  Lord  ! 
who  canst  do  all  tilings,  and  evermore  lovest  the  im- 
provement of  the  soul,  increase  the  power  of  thy 
grace,  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  fulfil  thy  word, 
and  accomplish  the  salvation  to  which  thou  hast 
mercifully  called  me. 

"  O  God,  be  not  far  from  me  :  O  my  God,  make 
haste  for  my  help  ;"  for  a  multitude  of  evil  thoughts 
have  risen  up  within  me,  and  terrible  fears  afflict  my 
soul.  How  shall  I  pass  them  unhurt  ?  How  shall 
I  break  through  them,  and  adhere  to  thee  ? 


154  IMITATION  OF   CHRIST. 

CHRIST. 

I  will  go  before  thee,  and  humble  the  lofty  spirits 
that  exercise  dominion  over  thee  :  I  will  break  the 
doors  of  thy  dark  prison,  and  reveal  to  thee  the  se- 
crets of  my  law. 

DISCIPLE. 

./2  Prayer  against  Evil  Thoughts. 

Do,  O  Lord  !  what  thou  hast  graciously  prom- 
ised :  lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  my 
soul,  that  every  thought  which  is  vain  and  evil  may 
vanish  before  it.  This  is  my  strength  and  comfort, 
to  fly  to  thee  in  every  tribulation,  to  confide  in  thy 
support,  to  call  upon  thee  from  the  lowest  depths 
of  my  heart,  and  patiently  to  wait  for  the  superior 
consolations  of  thy  Spirit. 

O  most  merciful  Jesus  !  restrain  my  wandering 
thoughts  that  are  carried  out  after  evil,  and  repulse 
the  temptations  that  so  furiously  assault  me, 

A  Prayer  for  Divine  Illumination. 

Fight  thou  my  battles  ;  and  with  thine  Omnipo- 
tent arm  scatter  all  my  enemies,  those  deceitful  lusts, 
and  malignant  passions,  that  are  continually  at  work 
to  betray  and  destroy  me.  In  thy  power  may  I  ob- 
tain peace,  that  my  purified  soul,  as  a  living  temple 
consecrated  to  thee,  may  resound  with  songs  of 
thankfulness  and  praise  !  Rebuke  the  storms  that 
rise  within  me.  Say  to  the  sea,  "  Be  still ;"  and  to 
the  north  wind,  "  Blow  not;"  and  a  heavenly  calm 
shall  instantly  succeed. 

Send  forth  thy  light  and  thy  truth,  that  they  may 


IMITATION  OF  CHRI8T.  155 

"move  upon"  this  barren  "earth:"  I  am  as  the 
"  earth,  without  form,  and  void  ;"  a  deep  covered 
with  darkness,  till  thou  sayest,  "  Let  there  be  light." 
Pour  forth  thy  treasures  from  the  throne  of  grace ; 
water  my  heart  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  that  the 
barren  soil  may  produce  good  fruit  worthy  to  be  of- 
fered up  to  thee.  Raise  my  fallen  soul,  oppressed 
with  the  burden  of  sin ;  draw  all  my  desire  after 
thee ;  and  give  me  such  a  perception  of  the  perma- 
nent glories  of  heaven,  that  I  may  despise  and  forget 
the  fleeting  vanities  of  earth  !  O  force  me  from  my- 
self !  snatch  me  away  from  the  delusive  enjoyment 
of  creatures,  who  are  unable  to  appease  my  restless 
desires!  Unite  me  to  thyself  by  the  indissoluble 
bonds  of  love  ;  for  thou  only  canst  satisfy  the  lover, 
to  whom  the  whole  universe,  without  thee,  is  "  van- 
ity and  nothing  ! " 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Inspection  into  the  Conduct  of  others. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  indulge  not  vain  curiosity,  nor  surrender  thy 
spirit  to  the  dominion  of  unprofitable  cares  ;  "  what 
is  that  to  thee  .''  follow  thou  me."  What,  indeed, 
to  thee,  are  the  words,  the  actions,  and  characters,  of 
the  idle  and  the  busy,  the  ignorant  and  the  vain  ? 
The  burden  of  thy  own  sins  is  as  much  as  thou  canst 
bear,  thou  wilt  not  be  required  to  answer  for  the 


156  IMITATION  OP  CHRIST. 

sins  of  others  ;  why  perplex  thyself  with  their  con- 
duct ?  Behold,  I  understand  the  thoughts  afar  off, 
and  nothing  that  is  done  under  the  sun  can  escape 
my  notice.  I  search  the  personal  secrets  of  every 
heart,  and  know  what  it  thinks,  what  it  desires,  and 
to  what  its  intention  is  principally  directed.  All  in- 
spection, therefore,  and  all  judgment  being  referred 
to  me,  do  thou  study  only  to  preserve  thyself  in  true 
peace,  and  leave  the  restless  to  be  as  restless  as  they 
will.  They  cannot  deceive  Omniscience ;  and  what- 
ever evil  they  have  done  or  said,  it  will  fall  upon 
their  own  heads. 

Hunt  not  after  that  fleeting  shadow,  a  great  name; 
(X)vet  not  a  numerous  acquaintance,  nor  court  the 
favor  and  affection  of  particular  persons  ;  for  these 
produce  distraction  and  darkness  of  heart.  I  would 
freely  visit  thee  with  instruction,  and  reveal  my 
secrets  to  thee,  if,  in  abstraction  from  cares,  thou 
didst  faithfully  watch  my  coming,  and  keep  the 
door  of  thy  heart  open  to  receive  me.  Be  wise  : 
"  watch  and  pray ; "  and  humble  thyself  continually, 
under  the  sense  of  thy  numerous  imperfections  and 
wants. 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  157 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
'  In  what  Peace  and  Perfection  consist. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  I  once  said  to  my  disciples,  "  Peace  I  leave 
with  you ;  my  peace  I  give  unto  you ;  not  as  the 
world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you."  Peace  is  what  all  de- 
sire ;  but  the  things  that  belong  to  peace,  few  regard. 
My  peace  dwells  only  with  the  humble  and  the  meek, 
and  is  found  only  in  the  exercise  of  much  patience. 
If  thou  wilt  hearken  to  me,  and  obey  my  voice,  thou 
mayst  enjoy  a  large  portion  of  true  peace. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord  !  what  shall  I  do  ? 

CHRIST. 

Keep  a  strict  guard  over  all  thy  words  and  actions; 
let  the  bent  of  thy  mind  be  to  please  me  only,  and 
to  desire  and  seek  after  no  good  but  me ;  and  if,  with 
this,  thou  refrainest  from  censuring  the  words  and 
actions  of  other  men,  and  dost  not  perplex  thy  spirit 
with  business  that  is  not  committed  to  thy  trust, 
thou  wilt  but  seldom  feel  trouble,  and  never  feel  it 
much. 

Indeed,  to  be  wholly  exempt  from  trouble,  and 
suffer  no  distress  either  of  mind  or  body,  belongs 
not  to  thy  present  life,  but  is  the  prerogative  of  that 
perfect  state,  where  evil  is  not  known.  Think  not, 
therefore,  that  thou  hast  found  true  peace,  when 
thou  happenest  to  feel  no  burden  of  sin  or  sorrow ; 


158  IMITATION   OP    CHRIST. 

that  all  is  well,  when  thou  meetest  with  no  adver- 
sary; neither  exalt  thyself  in  thy  own  esteem  because 
thou  hast  felt  the  raptures  of  devotion,  and  tasted 
the  sweetness  of  spiritual  fervor  :  for  by  these  marks 
the  lover  of  perfection  is  not  known  ;  nor  doth  per- 
fection itself,  and  man's  progress  towards  it,  consist 
in  such  exemptions  and  enjoyments. 

DISCIPLE. 

In  what  then,  0  Lord  ? 

CHRIST. 

In  offering  up  himself  with  his  whole  heart,  to  the 
will  of  God;  never  seeking  his  own  will  either  in 
small  or  great  respects,  either  in  time  or  in  eternity ; 
but  with  an  equal  mind,  weighing  all  events  in  the 
balance  of  the  sanctuary,  and  receiving  both  pros- 
perity and  adversity  with  continual  thanksgiving. 

If,  when  deprived  of  spiritual  comfort,  thou  pre- 
pare thy  heart  for  severer  trials,  not  justifying  thy- 
self, and  extolling  thy  holiness  as  that  which  ought 
to  have  exempted  thee  from  such  sufferings,  but  jus- 
tifying me  in  all  my  appointments  ;  then  thou  wilt 
walk  in  the  direct  path  to  true  peace,  and  thy  spirit 
will  be  supported  with  the  sure  hope  of  seeing  my 
face  again  in  unutterable  joy.  The  ground  of  this 
high  attainment,  is  an  absolute  contempt  and  forget- 
fulness  of  self ;  and  when  that  is  established,  know 
that  thou  wilt  enjoy  peace  in  as  full  abundance,  as 
it  can  possibly  be  enjoyed  in  this  state  of  exile  from 
heaven ! 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord !  it  is  the  prerogative  of  a  regenerate  man, 
never  to  relax  in  his  desire  afler  his  first  state  in 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  159 

thee ;  and  in  the  midst  of  innumerable  cares  and 
dangers  that  surromid  him,  to  pass  on  without  so- 
licitude, not  from  insensibility,  but  by  a  power  of 
liberty  peculiar  to  the  mind  that  is  delivered  from 
inordinate  affection  to  the  creatures.  I  beseech  thee, 
therefore,  O  my  most  merciful  God !  to  preserve  me 
from  the  cares  of  this  fallen  life,  that  my  thoughts 
may  not  be  darkened  and  perplexed ;  from  the  im- 
portunate wants  and  necessities  of  the  body,  that  I 
may  not  be  ensnared  by  the  love  of  sensual  pleas- 
ure ;  and  from  all  impediments  to  the  regenerate  life, 
that  I  may  not  be  subdued  and  cast  down  by  trouble 
and  despair. 

0  my  God !  who  art  benignity  and  sweetness  in- 
expressible !  turn  into  bitterness  all  such  consolation, 
as  draws  my  mind  from  the  desire  of  eternity.  O 
my  God!  let  not  flesh  and  blood  subdue  me  ;  let  not 
the  world,  and  the  transient  glory  of  it,  deceive  me ; 
let  not  the  devil,  and  his  subtle  reasoning,  supplant  me. 
Give  me  courage  to  resist,  patience  to  suffer,  and 
constancy  to  persevere !  Give  me,  instead  of  world- 
ly comfort,  the  divine  unction  of  thy  Holy  Spirit; 
and  for  carnal  love,  pour  into  my  heart  the  love  of 
thy  blessed  name ! 

Behold,  the  care  of  food  and  raiment,  which  it  is 
difficult  to  separate  from  vain  decoration,  and  the  in- 
dulgence of  the  sensual  appetite,  is  grievous  and  bur- 
densome to  a  fervent  spirit.  Grant  me  grace,  there- 
fore, to  use  all  things  pertaining  to  the  body  with 
moderation  ;  and  not  anxiously  to  desire  the  posses- 
sion of  them,  nor  bitterly  lament  the  want.  To  cast 
all  away,  the  law  of  nature  does  not  permit ;  for  na- 


160  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

ture  must  be  sustained  :  but  to  desire  superfluity, 
and  that  which  ministers  to  delight  more  than  to  use, 
thy  holy  law  forbids,  lest  the  flesh  should  grow  inso- 
lent, and  rebel  against  the  Spirit.  In  all  these  difli- 
cult  and  dangerous  paths,  let  thy  wisdom  and  power 
govern  and  direct  me,  that  I  may  not  deviate  to  the 
right  hand  nor  to  the  left. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Self-love  the  chief  Ohsh-uction  to  the  attainment  of 
the  Supreme  Good. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  thou  must  give  all  for  all,  and  make  an 
absolute  surrender  of  thyself  to  me.  The  inordi- 
nate love  of  self  is  more  hurtful  to  the  soul,  than  the 
united  power  of  the  world  ^  for  the  creatures  of  the 
world  have  no  dominion  over  thee,  but  in  proportion 
to  the  affection  and  desire  with  which  thou  adherest 
to  them  for  thy  own  sake.  If  thy  love  was  pure  and 
fixed  only  upon  me,  no  creature  would  have  power 
to  enslave  thee.  Covet  not  that  which  thou  art  not 
permitted  to  enjoy  ;  retain  not  the  possession  of  that 
which  will  obstruct  thee  in  the  pursuit  of  true  good, 
and  rob  thee  of  inward  liberty.  How  can  it  be  that 
from  the  depth  of  thy  heart  thou  dost  not  resign 
thyself,  and  all  thou  canst  desire  and  possess,  to  my 
will! 
-  Why  dost  thou  nine  away  in  useless  sorrow  ?  why  is 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  161 

thy  strength  consumed  by  superfluous  cares  ?  Estab- 
lish thyself  in  absolute  resignation  to  my  good  pleas- 
ure, and  thou  canst  sufTer  no  evil.  But  if,  for  thy 
own  appropriate  good,  and  the  gratification  of  thy 
own  will,  thou  desirest  change  of  enjoyment,  and 
seekest  change  of  place,  thou  wilt  always  be  tor- 
mented with  anxiety,  and  made  more  restless  by  dis- 
appointment ;  for  in  all  earthly  good  thou  wilt  find 
a  mixture  of  evil  to  imbitier  its  possession,  and  in 
every  place  meet  some  adversary  to  oppose  thy  will. 
It  is  not  the  acquisition  nor  the  increase  of  external 
good,  that  will  give  thee  repose  and  peace ;  but  rath- 
er the  contempt  of  it,  and  rooting  the  very  desire 
out  of  thy  heart :  not  only  of  the  luxury  of  wealth, 
but  of  the  pomp  of  glory,  and  the  enjoyment  of 
praise. 

Neither  can  change  of  place  avail,  if  there  is 
wanting  that  fervent  spirit  devoted  to  me,  which 
makes  all  places  alike.  Peace  sought  for  abroad, 
cannot  be  found  ;  and  it  will  never  be  found  by  the 
heart,  that,  while  it  is  destitute  of  me,  wants  the 
very  foundation  upon  which  alone  peace  can  be  es- 
tablished. Thou  mayst  change  thy  situation,  but 
canst  not  mend  it :  the  evils  which  thou  hast  fled 
from,  will  still  be  found,  and  more  may  soon  arise  ; 
for  thou  hast  taken  with  thee  the  fruitful  root  of 
every  evil,  thy  own  unsubdued  selfish  will. 

DISCIPLE. 

"Uphold  me,  O  God,  with    thy  free    Spirit  ! 
strengthen  me  with  might  in  the  inner  man!"  that 
being  emptied  of  all  selfish  solicitude,  I  may  no  long- 
er be  the  slave  of  restless  and  tormenting  desires  j 
14 


162  IMITATION   OP   CHRIST. 

but  with  holy  indifference  may  consider  all  earthly 
good,  of  whatever  kind,  as  continually  passing  away, 
and  my  own  fallen  life  as  passing  with  it :  for  there 
is  nothing  permanent  under  the  sun,  where  "  all  is 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirif." 

But  what  wisdom,  O  Lord  !  can  consider  this 
truly,  but  that  which  was  present  with  thee,  when 
thou  madest  the  world  ;  and  knew  what  was  accept- 
able in  thy  sight  ?  O  send  me  this  wisdom  "  from 
the  throne  of  thy  glory,"  that  I  may  learn  to  know 
and  seek  thee  alone,  and  thus  seeking  find  thee.  May 
I  love  thee,  and  delight  in  thee,  above  all  beings; 
may  I  understand  all  that  thou  hast  made  as  it  is 
in  itself,  and  regard  its  various  forms  only  according 
to  that  order  in  which  thy  infinite  mind  hath  dispos- 
ed tliem ! 

Grant  that  I  may  carefully  slum  flattery,  and  pa- 
tiently bear  contradiction  ;  that  being  neither  dis- 
turbed by  the  rude  breath  of  impotent  rage,  nor 
captivated  by  the  softness  of  delusive  praise,  I  may 
securely  pass  on  in  the  path  of  life,  which,  by  thy 
grace,  1  have  begun  to  tread. 


IMITATION   OP   CHRIST.  1$3 

CHAPTER  XX. 

The  cruel  Censures  of  Men  not  to  be  regarded. 

CHRIST. 

Be  not  impatient,  ray  son,  when  men  think  evil 
of  thee,  and  speak  that  which  Hiou  art  not  willing 
to  hear.  Thy  own  opinion  of  thyself  should  be 
much  lower  than  others  can  form,  because  thou  art 
conscious  of  imperfections  which  they  cannot  know. 
If  thy  attention  and  care  were  confined  to  the  life  of 
the  internal  man,  thou  wouldst  not  feel  the  influ- 
ence of  fleeting  words  that  dissolve  in  air.  In  times 
of  ignorance  and  wickedness  Uke  tliis,  it  is  most  wise 
to  hear  reproach  in  silence,  and  in  full  conversion 
of  thy  heart  to  me,  not  to  regard  the  judgment  of 
men. 

Let  not  thy  peace  then  depend  upon  the  commen- 
dation or  censure  of  ignorant  and  fallible  creatures 
like  thyself,  for  they  can  make  no  alteration  in  thy 
real  character.  True  peace,  and  true  glory,  are  to 
be  found  only  in  me ;  and  he  that  seeking  them  in 
me  loves  not  the  praise  of  men,  nor  fears  their  blame, 
shall  enjoy  peace  in  great  abundance;  By  love  of 
human  praise,  and  fear  of  human  censure,  nothing 
but  disorder  and  disquietude  are  produced. 


164  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Submission  to  God  in  the  hour  of  TribulatioTL 

DISCIPLE. 

Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  Lord,  for  ever,  who  hast 
permitted  this  tribulation  to  come  upon  me !  I  am 
not  able  to  fly  from  it ;  but  it  is  necessary  for  me  to 
fly  to  thee,  that  thou  mayst  support  me  under  it, 
and  make  it  instrumental  to  my  good.  I  am  in  deep 
distress,  and  my  heart  faints  and  sinks  under  the 
burden  of  its  sorroAvs.  Dearest  Father,  encompas- 
sed thus  with  danger,  and  oppressed  with  fear,  what 
shall  I  say  .'* — O  save  me  from  this  hour  ! — But  for 
this  cause  came  I  unto  this  hour,  that,  after  being 
perfectly  humbled,  thou  mightst  have  the  glory  of 
my  deliverance.  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  deliver 
me!  Poor  and  helpless  as  I  am,  what  can  I  do, 
and  whither  shall  I  go,  without  thee  ?  O  fortify  me 
imder  this  new  distress  ;  be  thou  my  strength  and 
my  support ;  and  whatever  be  its  weight,  whatever 
its  continuance,  I  will  not  fear. 

Lord,  thy  will  be  done!  This  tribulation  and  an- 
guish I  accept  as  my  due  :  O  that  1  may  bear  it  with 
patience,  till  the  dark  storm  be  overpast,  and  light  and 
peace  succeed  !  Yet  thy  omnipotent  arm,  O  God, 
my  mercy !  as  it  hath  often  done  before,  can  remove 
even  this  trial  from  me ;  or  so  graciously  mitigate 
its  severity,  that  I  shall  not  utterly  sink  under  it. 
Though  difficult  it  seems  to  me,  how  easy  to  thee, 
is  this  change  of  thy  right  hand,  O  Most  High  ! 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  165 

CHRIST. 

"I  am  the  Lord,  a  strong-hold  in  the  day  of 
trouble  :"  when,  therefore,  trouble  rises  up  within 
thee,  take  sanctuary  in  me.  The  support  of  heaven- 
ly consolation  comes  slowly,  because  thou  art  slow 
in  the  use  of  prayer ;  and  before  thou  turnest  the 
desire  and  dependence  of  thy  soul  to  me,  hast  re- 
course to  other  comfort,  seeking  from  the  world  or 
within  thyself  that  relief  which  neither  can  bestow. 
Thy  own  experience  should  convince  thee,  that  no 
profitable  counsel,  no  effectual  help,  no  lasting  reme- 
dy, is  to  be  found,  but  in  me.  When,  therefore,  I 
have  calmed  the  violence  of  the  tempest,  and  restored 
thy  fainting  spirit,  rise  Avith  new  strength  and  con- 
fidence in  the  light  of  my  mercy ;  for  I,  the  Lord, 
declare,  that  I  am  always  near,  to  redeem  all  fallen 
nature  from  its  evil,  and  to  restore  it  to  its  first  state, 
with  superabundant  communications  of  life,  light, 
and  love. 

Dost  thou  think,  that  "  there  is  anything  too  hard 
for  me  .'"'  or  that  I  am  like  vain  man,  who  promiseth 
and  performeth  not  ?  Where,  then,  and  what  is  thy 
faith  ?  0  believe,  and  persevere  !  Possess  thy  soul  in 
patience,  and  comfort  will  arrive  in  its  proper  season. 
Wait  for  me  ;  and,  if  I  come  not,  wait ;  for  I  will  at 
length  come,  and  "will  not  tarry."  That  which  af^ 
flicts  thee,  is  a  trial  for  thy  good  ;  and  that  which  ter- 
rifies thee  is  a  false  and  groundless  fear.  What  other 
effect  doth  thy  extreme  anxiety  about  the  events  of 
to-morrow  produce,  than  the  accumulation  of  an- 
guish upon  anguish  .''  Remember  my  words,  "  Suf^ 
ficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof"     It  is  unpro- 


166  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

fit  able  and  vain,  to  be  dejected  or  elevated  by  the  an- 
ticipation of  that  which  may  never  come  to  pass. 
Such  disorders  of  imagination  are,  indeed,  incident  to 
fallen  man  :  but  it  is  an  evidence  of  a  mind  that  ha3 
yet  recovered  little  strength,  to  be  so  easily  led  away 
by  every  suggestion  of  the  enemy  ;  who  cares  not, 
whether  it  is  by  realities  or  fictions,  that  he  tempts 
and  betrays  thee  :  whether  it  is  by  love  of  present 
good,  or  the  tear  of  future  evil,  that  he  destroy  thy 
soul. 

"  Let  not  thy  heart  be  troubled,"  neither  let  it  be 
afraid.  ''  Believe  in  me,"  whose  redeeming  power 
has  "  overcome  the  world,"  and  place  all  thy  confi- 
dence in  my  mercy.  I  am  often  nearest  thee,  when 
thou  thinkest  me  at  the  greatest  distance  ;  and  when 
thou  hast  given  up  all  as  lost  in  darkness,  the  light 
of  peace  is  ready  to  break  upon  thee.  All  is  not  lost, 
when  thy  situation  hai)pens  to  be  contrary  to  thy 
own  narrow  and  selfish  judgment.  It  is  injurious  to 
thy  peace,  to  determine  what  will  be  thy  future  con- 
dition, by  arguing  from  present  perceptions;  and  it  is 
sinful  to  sufier  thy  spirit  to  be  so  overwhelmed  by 
trouble,  as  if  all  hopes  of  emerging  from  it  was  ut- 
terly taken  away. 

Think  not  thyself  condemned  to  total  dereliction, 
when  I  permit  tribulation  to  come  upon  thee  lor  a 
season,  or  suspend  the  consolations  which  thou  art 
always  fondly  desiring  ;  for  this  is  the  narrow  way 
to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  :  and  it  is  more  expedient 
for  my  servants  to  be  exercised  with  many  suffer- 
ings, than  to  enjoy  that  perpetual  rest  and  delight 
which  they  would  choose  for  themselves.    I,  who 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  167 

know  the  hidden  thoughts  of  thy  heart,  and  the 
depth  of  the  evil  that  is  in  it,  know,  that  thy  salva- 
tion depends  upon  thy  being  sometimes  left  in  the 
full  perception  of  thy  own  impotence  and  wretched- 
ness ;  lest,  in  the  undisturbed  prosperity  of  the  spirit- 
ual life,  thou  shouldst  exalt  thyself  for  what  is  not 
thy  own,  and  take  complacence  in  vain  conceit  of 
perfection,  to  which  man  of  himself  cannot  attain. 
The  good  I  bestow,  I  can  both  take  away  and  re- 
store again.  When  I  have  bestowed  it,  it  is  still 
mine  ;  and  when  I  resume  it,  I  take  not  away  that 
which  is  thine  ;  for  there  is  no  good  of  which  1  am 
not  the  principle  and  centre.  When,  therefore,  I 
visit  thee  with  adversity,  murmur  not,  neither  let 
thy  heart  be  troubled  ;  for  I  can  soon  restore  thee  to 
light  and  peace,  and  change  thy  hea\nness  into  joy  ; 
but  in  all  my  dispensations,  acknowledge,  that  I,  the 
Lord,  am  righteous,  and  greatly  to  be  praised.  If 
thou  wert  wise,  and  didst  behold  thj^self  and  thy 
fallen  state,  by  that  light,  with  which  f,  who  am  the 
Truth,  enlighten  thee  ;  instead  of  grieving  and  mur- 
muring at  the  adversities  which  befall  thee,  thou 
wouldst  rejoice  and  give  thanks  :  nay,  thou  wouldst 
"  count  it  all  joy,  thus  to  endure  chastening."  I  once 
said  to  the  disciples  whom  I  chose  to  attend  my  min- 
istry upon  earth,  "  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so 
have  I  loved  you  ;"  and  I  sent  them  forth  into  the 
world,  not  to  luxury,  but  to  conflict ;  not  to  honor, 
but  to  contempt ;  not  to  amusement,  but  to  labor  ; 
not  to  take  repose,  but  to  "  bring  forth  much  fruit 
with  patience."    My  son,  remember  my  words  ! 


168  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


The  Creator  to  be  found  in  abstraction  from 
Creatures. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  MY  God,  what  grace  do  I  still  want,  to  be  able 
continually  to  turn  to  thee  without  adherence  to  the 
creatures ;  who,  while  they  retain  the  least  posses- 
sion of  my  heart,  keep  me  at  a  tremendous  distance 
from  thee  !  He  truly  desired  this  liberty,  who  said, 
"  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove !  for  then  would  I 
fly  away,  and  be  at  rest,"  And  what  can  be  more 
at  rest,  than  the  heart  that  in  singleness  and  simplici- 
ty, regardeth  only  thee  ?  What  more  free  than  the 
soul  that  hath  no  earthly  desires  ?  To  be  able, 
therefore,  in  peaceful  vacancy,  and  with  all  the  en- 
ergy of  my  mind,  to  contemplate  thee,  and  know 
that  thou  infinitely  transcend  est  the  most  perfect  of 
thy  works,  it  is  necessary  that  I  should  rise  above  all 
created  beings,  and  utterly  forsake  myself;  for,  while 
I  am  bound  with  the  chains  of  earthly  and  selfish 
afiections,  I  find  it  impossible  to  adhere  to  thee. 

CHRIST. 

Few,  my  son,  attain  to  the  blessed  privilege  of 
contemplating  the  infinite  and  unchangeable  good, 
because  few  totally  abandon  that  which  is  finite 
and  perishing.  For  this,  a  high  degree  of  grace  is 
necessary,  such  as  will  raise  the  soul  from  its  fallen 
life,  and  transport  it  above  itself.    And  unless  man, 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  169 

by  tliis  elevation  of  spirit,  is  delivered  from  all  ad- 
herence to  the  creatures,  and  united  to  God,  what- 
ever be  his  knowledge,  and  whatever  his  virtue,  they 
are  of  little  value  :  he  must  remain  in  an  infant  state, 
grovelling  upon  earth,  while  he  esteems  anything 
great  and  good  but  one  alone,  the  eternal  and  im- 
mutable God.  The  ditference  between  the  meek 
wisdom  of  an  illuminated  mind  devoted  to  me,  and 
the  pompous  wisdom  of  a  critical  and  classical  specu- 
latLst,  is  as  incommensurate,  as  between  the  knowl- 
edge that  "  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from 
the  Father  of  light,  "  and  that  which  is  laboriously 
acquired  by  the  effjrts  of  human  understanding. 

Many  are  solicitous  to  attain  to  contemplation  as 
an  exalted  state,  who  take  no  care  to  practise  that 
abstraction  which  is  necessary  to  qualify  them  for 
the  enjoyment  of  it :  for  while  they  adhere  to  the  ob- 
jects of  sense,  to  external  services,  and  the  signs  of 
true  wisdom,  instead  of  the  substance,  rejecting  the 
mortification  of  self,  as  of  no  value,  they  adhere  to 
tliat  which  principally  obstructs  the  progress  to  per- 
fection. 

DISCIPLE. 

Alas,  Lord  !  we  who  have  assumed  the  profes- 
sion and  character  of  spiritual  men,  know  not  at 
what  our  purposes  aim,  nor  by  what  spirit  we  are  led,, 
that  we  exert  so  much  labor,  and  feel  so  much  solici- 
tude, about  that  which  is  external,  but  retire  so  sel- 
dom to  the  sacred  solitude  of  the  heart,  to  learn 
what  passes  "vvithin  us.  Irresolute  and  impatient  as 
we  are,  after  a  slight  recollection,  we  rush  into  the 
world  again,  unacquainted  w^th  the  nature  and  end 
15 


170  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

of  the  actions  which  we  pretend  to  examine.  We 
heed  not  by  what  our  afiections  are  excited,  nor  in 
what  they  terminate  ;  but,  like  those  of  old,  "  when 
all  flesh  had  corrupted  his  way,"  an  universal  deluge 
of  earthliness  overwhelms  us,  and  we  are  lost  in  folly, 
impurity,  and  darkness.  Our  inward  principle  be- 
ing thus  corrupt,  it  cannot  but  be  that  our  actions, 
which  flow  Irom  it,  must  be  corrupt  also  ;  for  it  is 
only  out  of  a  pure  heart  that  the  divine  fruits  of  a 
pure  life  can  be  brought  forth. 

We  busily  inquire  what  a  man  hath  done,  but 
not  from  what  principle  he  did  it :  we  ask  whether 
tliis  or  that  man  be  valiant,  rich,  beautiful,  or  inge- 
nious ;  whether  he  be  a  profound  scholar,  an  elegant 
writer,  or  a  fine  singer  :  but  how  poor  in  spirit  he  is, 
iiow  patient,  how  meek,  how  holy  and  resigned,  we 
disregard,  as  questions  of  no  importance.  Nature 
looks  at  the  outward  man,  but  grace  at  the  inward. 
Nature  dependeth  wholly  upon  itself,  and  always 
errs  ;  grace  trusts  wholly  in  God,  and  is  never  de- 
ceived. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  Renunciation  of  Animal  Desire. 

CHRIST. 

Without  a  total  denial  of  self,  my  son,  thou  canst 
not  attain  the  possession  of  perfect  liberty.  All  self- 
overs  and  self-seekers  are  bound  as  in  chains  of  ada^ 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  l71 

mant;  full  of  desires,  full  of  cares  ;  restless  wanderers 
in  the  narrow  circle  of  sensual  pleasures,  perpetually 
seeking  their  own  luxurious  ease,  and  not  the  inter- 
ests of  their  self-denying,  crucified  Saviour  ;  but  of- 
ten pretending  this,  and  erecting  a  fabric  of  hypocrisy 
that  cannot  stand ;  for  all  that  is  not  of  God,  must 
perish. 

But  do  thou,  my  son,  keep  invariably  to  this  short, 
but  perfect  rule  ;  Abandon  all,  and  thou  shall  pos- 
sess all,  relinquish  desire,  and  thou  shall  find  rest. 
Revolve  this  again  and  again  in  thy  mind  ;  and  when 
thou  hast  transfused  it  into  thy  practice,  thou  wilt 
understand  all  things. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord !  this  is  not  the  work  of  a  single  day,  nor  an 
exercLse  for  children ;  for  in  this  short  precept  is  in- 
cluded the  high  attainments  of  "  a  perfect  man  in 
thee." 

CHRIST. 

Start  not  aside,  my  son,  nor  be  depressed  with 
fear,  when  thou  hearest  of  the  way  of  the  perfect ; 
but  rather  be  excited  to  walk  in  it,  or,  at  least,  as- 
pire after  it  with  all  the  energy  of  desire.  O  that 
self-love  was  so  far  subdued  in  thee,  that  with  pure 
submission  thou  couldst  adhere  to  the  intimations 
of  my  will,  as  well  in  the  government  of  thy  spirit, 
as  in  the  disposals  of  my  providence  with  respect  to 
thy  outward  situation  !  Thou  wouldst  then  be 
pleasing  and  acceptable  in  my  sight,  and  thy  life 
would  pass  on  in  peace  and  joy.  But  thou  hast  still 
much  to  abandon,  which  must  be  wholly  surren- 
dered up  to  me,  before  that  rest  which  thou  so  ean>. 


172  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

estly  seekest  can  be  found.  "  I  counsel  thee,"  there- 
fore, "  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried  in  the  fire,  that  thou 
mayst  be  rich  j"  heavenly  wisdom,  which  trarapleth 
the  earth  and  its  enjoyments  under  her  feet. 

I  have  told  thee,  that  what  is  low  and  vile  in 
human  estimation,  is  to  be  purchased  at  the  ex- 
pense of  what  is  esteemed  exalted  and  precious. 
What  men  regard  as  contemptible  and  most  unwor- 
thy of  thought  and  remembrance,  is  heavenly  wis- 
dom. That  wisdom  vaunteth  not  herself,  nor  seek- 
eth  the  applause  of  men ;  and  many  "  honor  with 
their  lips,"  who  in  their  hearts  renounce  it. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

The  Instability  of  the  Hearz. 

CHRIST. 

Trust  not,  my  son,  to  the  ardor  of  a  present  affec- 
tion ;  for  it  may  soon  be  past,  and  coldness  succeed. 
As  long  as  thou  livest  in  this  fallen  world,  thou  wilt, 
even  against  thy  will,  be  subject  to  perpetual  mutai- 
bility  ;  now  joyful,  and  now  sad  ;  now  peaceful,  and 
now  disturbed  ;  at  one  time  ardent  in  devotion,  at 
another  uisensible ;  to-day  diligent,  to-morrow  sloth- 
ful ;  this  hour  serious,  and  the  next  trifling.  But 
he  that  hath  true  wisdom,  and  deep  experience  in 
the  spiritual  life,  is  raised  above  the  fluctuation  of 
this  changeable  state  :  he  regards  not  what  he  feels  in 
himself,  nor  whence  the  wind  of  instability  blows ; 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  173 

but  Studies  only  that  his  mind  may  be  directed  to 
its  supreme  and  final  good.  And  thus,  in  all  the 
various  events  of  this  changeable  life,  he  remains 
imchanged  and  unmoved,  by  directing  aright  tlie 
eye  of  his  intention,  and  fixing  it  solely  upon  me. 

In  most  men,  this  eye  of  the  intention  soon  wax- 
eth  dim  ;  it  is  easily  diverted  by  intervening  objects  of 
sensual  good,  and  it  is  seldom  free  Irom  some  natu- 
ral blemish  of  self-seeking.  Thus,  those  Jews  who 
went  to  Bethany,  to  the  house  of  Martha  and  Ma- 
ry, went  not  only  to  see  and  hear  Jesus,  but  to  gaze 
upon  Lazarus,  whom  he  had  just  raised  from  the 
dead.  The  eye  of  the  intention,  therefore,  must  be 
continually  purified,  till  it  becomes  perfectly  single, 
and,  disregarding  all  intermediate  objects  of  pleasure 
and  profit,  looks  solely  unto  me. 


[Somethii)g  is  wanting  here  in  the  Manuscript.] 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Sold  that  loves  God  enjoys  him  in  all  things. 

DISCIPLE. 

Behold,  thou  art  my  God,  and  my  all  !  What 
would  1  desire  more  ?  what  higher  happiness  can  I 
possibly  enjoy  ?  O  sweet  and  transporting  sounds  ! 
but  to  him  only  who  loveth  "  not  the  world,  neither 
the  things  that  are  in  the  world,"  but  thee.     My 


174  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

God,  and  my  all  !  Enough  to  say,  for  him  that  un- 
derstandeth  ;  and  often  to  say  it,  delightful  to  him 
that  loveth! 

When  blessed  with  thy  presence,  all  that  we  are 
and  have  is  sweet  and  desirable  ;  but  in  thy  absence, 
it  becomes  loathsome.  Thou  calmest  the  troubled 
heart,  and  givest  true  peace,  and  holy  joy.  Thou 
makest  us  to  think  well  of  all  thy  dispensations,  and 
to  praiss  thee  in  all.  Without  thee,  the  highest 
advantages  cannot  please  long ;  for,  to  make  them 
truly  grateful,  thy  grace  must  be  present,  and  they 
must  be  seasoned  with  the  seasoning  of  thv  own 
wisdom. 

What  bitterness  becomes  not  sweet  to  him  that 
truly  tasteth  thee  .''  and  to  him  by  whom  thou  art 
not  relished,  what  sweetness  will  not  be  bitter  .'' 
The  wise  of  this  world,  and  those  that  delight  in  the 
enjoyments  of  the  flesh,  are  destitute  of  the  wisdom 
that  enjoyetli  thee ;  for  in  the  world  is  found  only 
vanity,  and  in  the  flesh,  death.  They  who,  by  the 
contempt  of  the  world,  and  the  mortification  of  the 
flesh,  truly  follow  thee,  know,  that  they  are  wise  in 
thy  wisdom ;  and  find  themselves  translated  from 
vanity  to  truth,  from  the  flesh  to  the  Spirit.  These 
only  enjoy  God  :  and  whatever  is  found  good  and 
delightful  in  the  creature  they  refer  to  the  praise  and 
glory  of  the  Creator.  Infinitely  great,  however,  is 
the  difference  between  the  enjoyment  of  the  Creator, 
as  he  is  in  hiinself,  and  as  he  is  discovered  in  imper- 
fect creatures  ;  of  eternity,  and  of  time  ;  of  uncreated 
light,  and  of  light  communicated. 

O  eternal  light,  infinitely  surpassing  all  that  thou 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  175 

lUuminatest,  let  thy  brightest  beams  descend  upon 
my  heart,  and  penetrate  its  inmost  recesses  !  O  pu- 
rify, exhilarate,  enlighten,  and  enliven  my  spirit,  that 
with  all  its  powers  it  may  adhere  to  thee  in  raptures 
of  triumphant  joy  !  0  when  will  the  blessed  and  de- 
sirable moment  come,  in  which  thou  wilt  satisfy  me 
with  thy  presence,  and  be  in  me  and  to  me  all  in 
all  ?    Till  this  is  granted  me,  my  joy  cannot  be  full. 

Wretched  creature  that  I  am !  I  find  the  old  man 
still  living  in  me  ;  he  is  not  yet  perfectly  crucified,  he 
is  not  yet  dead.  The  flesh  still  strongly  lusteth 
against  the  s])irit,  still  kindles  the  rage  of  war,  and 
suffers  not  "  thy  kingdom  within  me  "  to  be  at  peace. 

But  do  thou,  O  God !  "  who  controllest  the  power 
of  the  sea,  and  stillest  the  raging  of  its  waves,"  arise 
and  help  me  !  "  Scatter  thou  those  that  deliglit  in 
war ! "  O  break  them  in  pieces  with  thy  mighty 
power !  Show  forth,  I  beseech  thee,  the  wonders 
of  thy  greatness,  and  let  thy  right  hand  be  glorified ! 
for  there  is  no  hope  noi-  refuge  for  me,  but  in  thee, 
O  Lord,  my  God ! 

CHRIST. 

As  long  as  thou  livest  in  this  world,  my  son,  thou 
canst  not  live  secure,  but  wilt  always  have  need  of 
*^  the  whole  armor  of  God."  Thou  art  encompass- 
ed with  enemies,  who  assault  thee  behind  and  be- 
fore, on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  lefl ;  and  if  thou 
dost  not  defend  thyself  on  every  side  with  the  shield 
of  patience,  thou  canst  not  long  escape  some  danger- 
ous wound  :  if  thy  heart  is  not  fixed  upon  me,  with 
a  true  and  unalterable  resolution  of  suffering  all 
things  for  my  sake,  thou  wilt  never  be  able  to  sus- 


176  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

tain  the  fury  of  the  conflict^  nor  obtain  the  palm  of 
victory.  Thou  must,  therefore,  with  a  lively  faith, 
and  a  lioly  resolution  of  conqueruig  all  opposition, 
pass  through  the  various  dangers  that  surround  thee. 
"  To  him  that  overcometh,  I  will  give  to  eat  of  the 
hidden  manna,"  while  for  the  slothful  and  unbeliev- 
ing is  reserved  the  portion  of  endless  misery. 

If  thou  seekest  rest  in  this  life,  how  wilt  thou  at- 
tain to  the  everlastmg  rest  of  the  life  to  come  .''  Pre- 
pare thy  heart  for  the  exercise  of  many  and  great 
troubles,  not  for  the  enjoyment  of  continual  rest  : 
true  rest  is  to  be  found,  not  on  earth,  but  in  heaven  ; 
not  in  the  enjoyment  of  man,  or  any  other  creature, 
but  of  God.  For  the  love  of  God,  therefore,  ihou 
must  cheerfully  and  patiently  endure  labor  and  sor- 
row, persecution,  temptation,  and  anxiety,  poverty 
and  want,  pain  and  sickness,  detraction,  reproof, 
humiliation,  confusion,  correction,  and  contempt. 
By  these,  the  virtues  of"  the  new  man  in  Christ  Je- 
sus, "  are  exercised  and  strengthened  ;  these  form  the 
ornaments  of  his  celestial  crown ;  and  for  his  mo- 
mentary labor,  I  will  give  him  eternal  rest,  and  end- 
less glory  for  transient  shame. 

"  The  sufferings  of  the  present  time  are  not  wor- 
thy to  be  compared  with  the  glory  that  should  be 
revealed  in  us."  "  O  wait  on  the  Lord  ;  be  of  good 
courage ;  and  he  shall  strengthen  thy  heart."  Dis- 
trust me  not,  neither  depart  from  me  ;  but  continu- 
ally devote  both  soul  and  body  to  my  service,  and 
my  glory.  "  Behold,  I  come  quickly,  and  my  reward 
is  with  me!"  and  till  I  come,  my  Spirit  will  be  thy 
comforter  in  every  tribulation. 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  177 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Against  the  Fear  of  Man. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  fix  thy  heart  steadfastly  upon  the  Lord  ; 
and  while  conscience  bears  testimony  to  thy  purity 
and  innocence,  fear  not  the  judgment  of  man.  It  is 
good  and  blessed  to  suffer  the  false  censure  of  human 
tongues  ;  nor  will  the  suffering  itself  be  grievous  to 
the  poor  and  humble  in  spirit,  who  confideth  not  in 
himself,  but  in  God. 

The  opinions  and  reports  of  men  are  as  various  as 
their  persons,  and  are,  therefore,  entitled  to  little  cred- 
it. Besides,  it  is  impossible  to  please  all :  and  though 
Paul  endeavoured  to  please  all  men  in  the  Lord,  and 
was  "  made  all  tilings  to  all ;"  yet,  with  him,  it  was 
"a  very  small  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judgment." 
This  faithful  servant  labored  continually  to  promote 
the  edification  and  salvation  of  men  ;  but  their  un- 
just judgments,  and  cruel  censures,  he  was  not  able 
to  restrain  :  he  therefore  committed  his  cause  to 
God,  who  knoweth  all  things  ;  and  sheltered  himself 
against  the  false  suggestions  of  the  deceitful,  and  the 
more  open  reproaches  of  the  licentious,  under  the 
guard  of  patience  and  humility  :  yet  he  sometimes 
found  it  expedient  to  support  his  character,  that  he 
might  not  give  occasion  of  scandal  to  the  weak,  who 
are  too  apt  from  silence  to  infer  guilt. 

"  Who,"  then,  "  art  thou,  that  thou  shouldst  be 
afraid  of  a  man  that  shall  die,  and  of  the  son  of  man. 


178  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

that  shall  be  made  as  grass,  which  to-day  is,  and  to 
morrow  is  cast  into  the  oven  ?"  Fear  God,  who  is  a 
"  consuming  fire  ; "  and  thou  wilt  no  longer  tremble 
at  the  terrors  of  man.  What  hurt  can  man  do  thee, 
by  his  most  malignant  censures,  or  his  most  cruel 
actions  ?  He  injureth  himself  more  than  he  can  in- 
jure thee ;  and  whoever  he  be,  he  shall  not  escape 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God.  Set  God,  therefore, 
continually  before  thy  eyes,  and  strive  not  with  the 
injustice  of  man  :  and  though  at  present  thou  art 
overborne  by  its  violence,  and  sufferest  shame  which 
thou  hast  not  deserved  ;  yet  suppress  thy  resentment, 
and  let  not  impatience  obscure  the  lustre  of  thy 
crown.  Look  up  to  me  in  the  highest  heavens,  who 
am  able  to  deliver  thee  from  all  evil,  and  will  render 
to  every  one  according  to  his  deeds. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

God  is  our  Refuge  in  all  Difficulties. 

CHRIST. 

Endeavour,  my  son,  in  every  place,  and  in  every 
external  employment  and  action,  to  be  inwardly  free, 
and  master  of  thyself;  that  the  business  and  events 
of  life,  instead  of  ruling  over  thy  spirit,  may  be  sub- 
ject to  it.  Of  all  thy  actions,  thou  must  be,  not  the 
servant  and  slave,  but  the  absolute  lord  and  gover- 
nor ;  a  free  and  genuine  Israelite,  translated  into  the 
inheritance  and  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God ;  who 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  179 

Stand  upon  the  interests  of  time,  to  contemplate  the 
glories  of  eternity ;  who  cast  only  a  hasty  glance  on 
the  transitory  enjoyments  of  earth,  and  keep  their 
eye  fixed  upon  the  permanent  felicity  of  heaven  ;  and 
who,  instead  of  making  temporal  objects  and  interests 
an  ultimate  end,  render  them  subservient  to  some 
purpose  of  piety  or  charity,  even  as  they  were  or- 
dained by  God  J  the  sovereign  mind,  who  formed 
the  stupendous  fabric,  in  which  nothing  disorderly 
was  left. 

If  thus,  in  all  events,  thou  sufferest  not  thyself  to 
be  governed  by  appearances,  nor  regardest  what  is 
heard  and  seen  with  a  carnal  purpose  ;  but  in  every 
difficulty  and  danger  enterest  immediately  into  the 
Tabernacle  with  Moses,  to  consult  the  Lord,  thou 
shalt  often  receive  an  answer  from  the  divine  Oracle, 
and  return  deeply  instructed  both  in  things  present 
and  things  to  come.  And  as  Moses  always  retired 
to  that  holy  place,  for  the  determination  of  doubtful 
and  disputed  questions,  and  fled  to  prayer,  for  aid 
in  times  of  danger  and  wickedness,  so  shouldst  thou 
also  enter  the  sacred  temple  of  thy  heart,  and,  on 
the  same  occasions,  fervently  implore  the  guidance 
and  support  of  divine  wisdom  and  strength.  Thou 
hast  read,  that  Joshua  and  the  children  of  Israel, 
"  because  they  asked  not  counsel  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord,"  were  betrayed  into  a  league  with  the 
Gibeonites,  being  deluded  by  fictitious  piety,  and  giv- 
ing hasty  credit  to  deceitful  words.  Commit  thy 
cause  invariably  to  me,  and  I  will  give  it  a  right  is- 
sue in  due  season.    Wait  patiently  the  disposals  of 


180  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

my  pro\ndence,  and  thou  slialt  find  "  all  things  work 
together  for  thy  good." 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  I  would  most  willingly  resign  my  state,  pre- 
sent and  future,  to  thy  disposal ;  for  my  own  restless 
solicitude  and  feeble  reasoning  serv^e  only  to  perplex 
and  torment  me.  O  that  I  took  no  anxious  thought 
for  the  events  of  to-morrow,  but  could  every  mo- 
ment unreservedly  offer  up  all  I  am  to  thy  good 
pleasure  ! 

CHRIST. 

Man  vehemently  labors  for  the  acquisition  of  that 
which  he  desires  ;  but  possession  defeats  enjo3rment, 
and  his  desire,  which  is  restless  and  insatiable,  is  im- 
mediately turned  to  some  new  object.  It  is,  there- 
fore, no  small  advantage,  to  suppress  desire  even  in 
inconsiderable  gratifications. 

Self-denial  is  the  basis  of  spiritual  perfection  ;  and 
he  that  truly  denies  himself,  is  arrived  at  a  state  of 
great  freedom  and  safety.  The  old  enemy,  how- 
ever, whose  nature  is  most  repugnant  to  that  which 
is  most  good,  never  remits  his  diligence  ;  but  night 
and  day  forms  the  most  dangerous  ambuscades,  if 
peradventure,  in  some  moment  of  false  security,  he 
may  surprise  and  captivate  the  unwary  soul.  I  have, 
therefore,  cautioned  thee,  continually  to  "  watch  and 
pray,  that  thou  enter  not  into  temptation." 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  181 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Man  has  nothing  wherein  to  glory. 

DISCIPLE. 

"  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of 
him  ;  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him.'' " 
What,  indeed,  is  he,  and  what  hath  he  done,  that 
thou  shouldst  bestow  upon  him  thy  Holy  Spirit. 

What  cause  have  I  to  complain,  O  Lord,  when 
thou  withdraw^est  thy  presence,  and  leavest  me  to 
myself  ?  or  how  can  I  remonstrate,  though  my  most 
importunate  requests  are  not  granted  ?  This  only 
I  can  truly  think  and  say  :  "  Lord,  I  can  do  nothing, 
and  have  notliing  ;  there  is  no  good  dwelling  in  me 
that  I  can  call  my  own,  but  I  am  poor  and  destitute 
in  all  respects,  and  always  tending  to  nothing ;  and 
if  I  were  not  quickened  by  thy  Spirit,  I  should  im- 
mediately become  insensible  as  death." 

"  Thou,  O  Lord,  art  always  the  same,  and  shalt 
endure  for  ever."  Thou  art  always  righteous  and 
good ;  with  righteousness  and  goodness  governing 
the  whole  universe,  and  ordering  all  its  concerns  by 
the  counsels  of  infinite  wisdom.  But  I,  who  of  my- 
self am  more  inclined  to  evil  than  to  good,  never  con- 
tinue in  holiness  and  peace  ;  I  am  changeable  as  the 
events  of  time  that  pass  over  me  ;  am  tossed  upon 
every  wave  of  affliction,  and  driven  by  every  gust 
of  passion.  Yet,  Lord,  I  shall  find  stability,  when 
thou  reachest  forth  thy  helping  hand ;  for  thou  canst 
00  firmly  strengthen  snd  support  me,  that  my  heart 


192  IMITATION    OF   CHRIST. 

shall  no  longer  change  with  the  various  changes  of 
this  fallen  life,  but  being  wholly  turned  to  thee,  shall 
in  thee  find  supreme  and  everlasting  rest. 

AYherefore,  if  I  could  but  perfectly  abandon  all 
human  consolation,  either  from  a  purer  love  and  de- 
votion to  thee  ;  or  from  the  pressure  of  some  severe 
distress,  which,  when  all  other  dependence  was  found 
ineffectual,  might  compel  me  to  seek  after  thee  ;  then 
might  I  hope  to  receive  more  abundant  measures  of 
confirming  grace,  and  to  rejoice  in  new  and  incon- 
ceivable consolations  from  thy  Holy  Spirit. 

Thanks  are  due  to  thee,  O  Lord,  from  whom  all 
good  proceeds,  whenever  my  state  is  better  than  I 
have  reason  to  expect.  I  am  an  inconstant  and  fee- 
ble man,  and  vanity  and  notliing  before  thee.  What 
have  I  then  to  glory  in  .''  and  why  do  I  desire  to  be 
esteemed  and  admired  ?  Is  it  not  f^r  nothing  ?  and 
that,  surely,  is  most  vain.  Vain  glory  is  not  only 
the  vainest  of  all  vanities,  but  a  direful  evil,  that 
draws  away  the  soul  from  true  glory,  and  robs  it  of 
the  grace  of  heaven  :  for  while  man  labors  to  please 
himself,  he  labors  to  displease  thee  ;  while  he  sighs 
for  the  perishing  laurels  of  the  world,  he  loses  the 
unfading  crown  of  thy  righteousness. 

True  glory  and  holy  joy  are  to  be  found  only  in 
thee ;  and  man  should  rejoice  in  thy  name,  not  in  the 
splendor  of  his  own  imaginary  virtues  ;  and  delight 
in  no  creature  but  for  thy  sake.  Praised,  therefore, 
be  thy  name,  not  mine ;  magnified  be  thy  power,  not 
my  work!  yea,  for  ever  blessed  be  thy  holy  napie ; 
but,  to  me  let  no  praise  be  given  !  Thou  art  my  glo- 
ry, and  the  joy  of  my  heart !    In  thee  will  I  glory. 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  1S3 

and  in  thee  rejoice,  all  the  day  long  ;  and  "  of  myself 
I  will  not  glory,  but  in  mine  infirmities  !  " 

Let  men  "  seek  glory  one  of  another  ; "  I  will  seei 
that  "  glory  wliich  cometh  only  from  thee,"  my 
God.  For  all  human  glory,  all  temporal  honor,  al) 
worldly  grandeur,  is  vanity  and  folly  ;  and  vanishes 
lilce  darkness,  before  the  splendor  of  thy  eternai 
majesty.  O  my  truth,  my  mercy,  my  God  !  O 
holy  and  blessed  Trinity !  Fountain  of  life,  light,  and 
love  !  to  thee  alone  be  praise,  honor,  power,  and 
glory  ascribed,  through  the  endless  ages  of  eternity ! 
Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Temporal  Honor  and  Comfort. 

CHRIST. 

Grieve  not,  my  son,  when  others  are  honored  and 
exalted,  and  thou  art  despised  and  debased.  Lift  up 
thy  heart  to  me  in  heaven,  and  thou  wilt  not  be  dis- 
turbed by  the  contempt  of  men  on  earth. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  I  am  surrounded  with  darkness,  and  easily 
betrayed  into  a  vain  conceit  of  my  own  dignity  and 
importance  :  but  when  I  behold  myself  by  thy  light, 
I  know  that  no  creature  has  done  me  wrong  j  and, 
therefore,  surely  I  have  no  cause  to  complain  of 
thee.  On  the  contrary,  because  I  have  heinously 
and  repeatedly  sinned  against  thee,  all  creatures  may 


184  IMITATION  OF   CHRIST. 

justly  treat  me  as  an  enemy,  and  make  war  against 
me.  To  me  only  shame  and  confusion  of  face  are 
due ;  but  to  thee,  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory.  And, 
till  i  am  perfectly  willing  to  be  despised  and  forsaken 
of  all  creatures,  as  that  nothing  which  in  myself  I 
truly  am,  I  know  that  my  restless  spirit  cannot 
possibly  be  established  in  peace,  nor  illuminated  by 
truth,  nor  brought  into  union  with  thee. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  if  thou  sufferest  even  a  conformity  of  senti- 
ments and  manners,  and  the  reciprocations  of  friend- 
ship, to  render  thy  peace  dependent  upon  any  human 
being,  thou  wilt  alwaj'-s  be  unsettled  and  distressed  ; 
but  if  thou  continually  seekest  after  me  the  ever- 
living  and  abiding  truth,  as  the  supreme  object  of  thy 
faith  and  love,  the  loss  of  a  friend  will  be  no  affliction, 
whether  it  happens  by  falsehood  or  by  death.  The 
affections  of  friendship  must  spring  from  the  love  of 
me ;  and  it  is  for  my  sake  alone  that  any  person 
should  be  dear  in  the  present  life,  as  there  is  no  good- 
ness in  man  but  what  he  receives  immediately  from 
me.  Without  me,  therefore,  friendship  has  neither 
worth  nor  stability  ;  nor  can  there  be  any  mutual 
ardors  of  pure  and  genuine  love  but  what  I  inspire. 

As  far  as  the  distinct  improvement  and  perfection 
of  thy  own  spirit  is  concerned,  thou  shouldst  so 
mortify  personal  affections  and  attachments,  as  to 
make  them  hold  a  subordinate  place  in  thy  heart 
The  soul  draws  near  to  God,  only  in  proportion  as 
it  withdraws  from  earthly  comfort.  With  so  much 
higher  exaltation  doth  it  ascend  to  him,  as,  with  deep- 
er conviction  of  its  inherent  darkness  and  impurity, 


IMITATION    OF   CHRIST.  185 

it  descends  into  itself,  and  becomes  viler  and  more 
contemptible  in  its  own  sight.  But  he  that  claims 
any  goodness  in  himself,  bars  the  entrance  to  the 
grace  of  God  ;  for  the  Holy  Spirit  chooses,  for  the 
seat  of  his  influence,  a  contrite  and  humble  heart. 

If  thou  wert  brought  to  a  true  sense  of  thy  own 
nothingness,  and  emptied  of  all  selfish  and  earthly  af- 
fections, I  would,  surely,  with  the  treasures  of  grace, 
"  come  unto  thee  and  make  my  abode  with  thee  :  " 
but  while  thou  fjndly  gazest  upon,  and  pursuest  the 
creature,  thou  turnest  from  the  presence  and  sight 
of  the  Creator.  Learn,  therefore,  for  the  love  of 
the  Creator,  to  subdue  this  earth-born  love  of  the 
creature,  and  thou  wilt  be  qualified  to  receive  the 
light  of  eternal  truth.  It  matters  not  how  inconsid- 
erable the  object  of  pursuit  is  in  itself:  while  it  is 
vehemently  loved,  and  continually  regarded,  it  cor- 
rupts the  soul,  and  keeps  it  at  an  infinite  distance 
from  its  supreme  good. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 
t)2  Caution  against  vain  Philosophy. 

CHRIST. 

Be  not  captivated,  my  son,  by  the  subtlety  and 
edegance  of  human  compositions  ;  for  "  the  kingdom 
of  God  is  not  in  word,  but  in  power."  Attend  only 
to  the  truths  of  my  word,  which  enlighten  the  un- 
derstanding, and  inflame  the  heart;  which  excite 
16 


186  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

compunction,  and  pour  forth  the  balm  of  true  con- 
solation. Read  my  word,  not  for  the  reputation  of 
critical  skill  and  controversial  wisdom,  but  to  learn 
how  to  mortify  thy  evil  passions:  a  knowledge  of  in- 
finitely more  importance  than  the  solution  of  all  the 
abstruse  questions  that  have  perplexed  men's  minds, 
and  divided  their  opinions. 

When,  however,  thou  hast  meekly  and  diligently 
read  my  word,  still  thou  must  also  have  recourse  to 
me.  I  am  he  that  teacheth  man  knowledge,  and 
giveth  that  light  and  understanding  to  the  prayerful 
which  no  human  instruction  can  communicate.  He 
who  listeneth  to  my  voice  shall  soon  become  wise, 
and  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  truth.  But,  wo  be 
to  them  who,  instead  of  turning  to  me  to  learn  my 
will,  devote  their  time  and  labor  to  the  vain  theories 
of  human  speculation! 

I  am  he,  that  exalteth  the  humble  and  simple 
mind,  and  imparteth  to  it,  in  a  short  time,  such  a  per- 
ception of  eternal  truth,  as  it  could  not  acquire  by  a 
life  of  study  in  the  schools  of  men.  I  teach  not,  like 
men,  with  the  clamor  of  uncertain  words,  or  the 
confusion  of  opposite  opinions  ;  or  with  the  strife  of 
formal  disputation,  in  which  \^ctory  is  more  con- 
tended for  than  truth  :  I  teach,  in  still  and  soft 
whispers,  to  relinquish  earth,  and  seek  after  hea- 
ven ;  to  rehnquish  carnal  and  temporal  enjoyments, 
and  sigh  for  spiritual  and  eternal ;  to  shun  honor, 
and  to  bear  contempt ;  to  place  all  hope  and  de- 
pendence upon  me,  to  desire  nothing  besides  me ; 
and,  above  all  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  most  ardently 
to  k)ve  me. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  187 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Of  the  Professions  and  Censures  of  Men. 

CHRIST. 

It  is  expedient  for  thee,  my  son,  to  be  ignorant  of 
many  things  5  and  to  consider  thyself  as  "  crucified 
to  the  world,  and  the  world  to  thee."  Like  one 
deaf,  let  what  is  said  pass  by  thee  unnoticed,  that 
thou  mayst  keep  thy  thoughts  fixed  on  "  the  things 
that  belong  unto  thy  peace."  It  is  better  to  turn 
away  from  all  that  produces  perplexity  and  disturb- 
ance, and  to  leave  every  one  in  the  enjoyment  of  his 
own  opinion,  than  to  be  held  in  subjection  by  con- 
tentious arguments.  If  thou  wert  truly  "  reconciled 
to  God,"  and  didst  regard  only  his  unerring  judg- 
ment, thou  wouldst  easily  bear  the  disgrace  of  yield- 
ing up  the  victory  in  the  debates  of  men, 

DISCIPLE. 

Do  thou,  O  Lord,  "  give  me  help  from  trouble  ;  for 
vain  is  the  help  of  man !"  How  often  have  I  failed  of 
support  where  I  thought  myself  sure  of  it ;  and  how 
often  found  it  where  I  had  least  reason  to  expect  it ! 
Vain  and  deceitful,  therefore,  is  all  trust  in  man  ;  but 
the  salvation  of  the  righteous,  O  Lord,  is  in  thee ! 
Blessed,  therefore,  be  thy  holy  name,  O  Lord,  my 
God,  in  all  things  that  befall  us !  We  are  weak  and 
unstable  creatures,  easily  deceived,  and  suddenly 
changed. 

Where  is  the  man  that,  by  his  own  most  prudent 
Qare  and  watchful  circumspection,  is  always  able  to 


188  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

avoid  the  mazes  of  error  and  the  disorders  of  sin? 
But  he,  O  Lord,  that  puts  his  whole  confidence  in 
thee,  and  in  singleness  of  heart  seeks  thee  alone, 
will  not  easily  be  betrayed  into  either  :  and  though 
he  chance  to  fall  into  some  unexpected  trouble,  and 
be  ever  so  deeply  involved  in  it ;  j^et  thy  merciful 
hand  will  soon  deliver  him  from  it,  or  thy  powerful 
consolations  support  him  in  it ;  for  thou  wilt  not 
utterly  forsake  him  that  putteth  his  whole  trust  in 
thee.  A  comforter,  that  will  continue  faithful  in 
all  the  distresses  of  his  friend,  is  rarely  to  be  found 
among  the  children  of  men  ;  but  thou,  Lord,  thou 
art  most  faithful  at  all  times,  and  in  all  events  ;  and 
there  is  none  like  unto  thee  in  heaven  or  earth. 
O  how  divinely  wise  must  be  that  holy  soul,  who 
could  say,  '  My  heart  is  firmly  established,  for  it  is 
rooted  in  Christ !'  If  this  was  my  state,  I  should 
no  longer  tremble  at  the  threats  of  wrath,  nor  be 
disturbed  by  the  calumnies  of  envy. 

Who  can  foresee  future  events  ?  Who  can  guard 
against  future  evil?  If  those  evils  that  are  foreseen 
often  hurt  us,  we  cannot  but  be  grievously  wounded 
by  those  that  are  unforeseen.  But,  wretched  crea- 
ture that  I  am,  why  did  I  not  provide  more  -wisely 
for  the  security  of  my  peace  ?  Why  have  I  given 
such  easy  credit  to  men  like  myself,  Avho  are  all  desti- 
tute both  of  wisdom  and  power,  though  many  think 
us,  and  call  us  angels?  Whom  ought  I  to  have  believ- 
ed ?  Whom,  Lord,  but  thee!  who  art  the  truth, 
that  can  neither  deceive  nor  be  deceived !  •  But  "  all 
men  are  liars  ;"  so  frail  and  inconstant,  so  prone  to 
deceive  in  the  use  of  words,  that  hasty  credit  is  nev- 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  189 

er  to  be  given,  even  to  those  declarations  that  wear 
the  appearance  of  truth. 

How  wisely  hast  thou  warned  us,  O  Lord,  to 
"  beware  of  men !"  How  justly  said,  that  "  a  man's 
enemies  are  those  of  his  own  house  ! "  and  how 
kindly  commanded  us  to  witlihold  belief,  when  it  is 
said,  "  Lo,  Christ  is  here  : "  or,  "  Lo,  he  is  there  ! " 
I  have  learned  these  truths,  not  only  from  thy  word, 
but  at  the  expense  of  peace  ;  and  I  pray  that  they 
may  more  increase  the  caution  than  manifest  the 
folly  of  my  future  conduct. 

With  the  most  solemn  injunctions  of  secrecy,  one 
says  to  me,  "  Be  wary,  be  faithful ;  and  let  what  I 
tell  thee  be  securely  locked  up  in  thy  own  breast :  " 
and  while  I  hold  my  peace,  and  believe  the  secret 
inviolate,  this  man,  unable  to  keep  the  silence  he 
had  imposed,  to  the  next  person  he  meets,  betrays 
both  himself  and  me,  and  goes  his  way  to  repeat  the 
same  folly.  From  such  false  and  imprudent  spirits, 
protect  me,  O  Lord !  that  I  may  neither  be  deceived 
by  their  insincerity,  nor  imitate  their  practices. 
Give  truth  and  faithfulness  to  my  lips,  and  remove 
far  from  me  a  deceitful  tongue  ;  that  I  may  not  do 
that  to  another,  which  I  am  unwilling  another 
should  do  to  me. 

How  peaceful  and  blessed  a  state  must  that  man 
enjoy,  who  takes  no  notice  of  the  opinions  and  ac- 
tions of  others ;  who  does  not  indiscriminately  be- 
lieve,  nor  wantonly  report,  everything  he  hears ; 
who,  instead  of  unbosoming  himself  to  all  he  meets, 
continually  looks  up  to  thee,  the  only  Searcher  of 
the  heart  3  and  who  is  not  "  carried  about  with  every 


190  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

wind  of  doctrine,"  but  studies  and  desires  only, 
that  everything,  both  within  and  without  him,  may 
be  directed  and  accomplished  according  to  thy  will! 
It  is  of  great  importance.  Lord,  for  the  preserva- 
tion and  improvement  of  thy  heavenly  gift,  to  shun 
the  notice  of  the  world  ;  and,  instead  of  cultivating 
attainments  that  attract  admiration  and  applause,  to 
aspire,  with  continual  ardor,  after  inward  purity, 
and  a  perfect  elevation  of  the  heart  to  thee.  How 
often  has  the  growth  of  holiness  been  checked,  by  its 
being  too  hastily  made  known,  and  too  highly  com- 
mended !  And  how  greatly  hath  it  flourished,  in  that 
humble  state  of  silence  and  obscurity,  so  desirable 
in  the  present  life,  which  is  one  scene  of  temptation, 
one  continual  warfare ! 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Confidence  in  the  righteous  Judgment  of  God. 

CHRIST. 

Place  all  thy  hope,  my  son,  in  my  mercy,  and 
stand  firm  against  false  accusations  :  For  what  are 
words,  but  puffs  of  air,  that  are  of  short  continuance, 
and  leave  no  impression.'*  If  thou  art  guilty,  resolve 
to  make  the  accusation  an  occasion  of  amendment ; 
if  thou  art  innocent,  submit  to  it  willingly,  and  bear 
it  patiently,  for  my  sake.  It  is  surely  a  little  matter 
for  thee,  who  hast  not  endured  the  lasting  pain  of 
cruel  stripes,  sometimes  to  bear  the  light  buffeting 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  191 

of  transient  words.  Could  affliction  make  so  deep 
an  impression  upon  thy  heart,  if  thou  wert  not  still 
carnal,  and  didst  not  set  too  high  a  value  upon  the 
favor  of  men  ?  Thou  art  afraid  of  being  despised  ; 
and,  therefore,  canst  not  bear  reprehension,  but  labor- 
est  to  conceal  thy  iniquities,  or  palliate  them  by  ex- 
cuses. Examine  now  the  state  of  thy  heart,  and 
confess,  that  a  vain  desire  of  pleasing  men  is  the 
governing  principle  of  thy  actions  :  for  whilst  thou 
refusest  to  be  brought  to  shame,  and  be  buffeted  for 
thy  faults,  it  is  evident,  that  thou  art  not  truly  hum- 
bled, not  yet  "  crucified  to  the  world,  nor  the  world 
to  thee." 

Give  ear  to  my  word,  and  thou  wilt  not  be  moved 
by  ten  thousand  opprobrious  words  of  men.  Con- 
sider, if  everything  was  said  against  thee  that  the 
most  extravagant  malignity  can  suggest,  w^hat  hurt 
could  it  possibly  do  thee,  if  thou  only  lettest  it  pass 
without  resentment?  Could  it  pluck  from  thy  head 
a  single  hair .''  He  that  liveth  not  in  my  presence 
manifested  in  his  heart,  is  disturbed  by  the  lightest 
breath  of  human  censure  ;  but  he  that  referreth  his 
cause  to  me  shall  be  free  from  the  fear  of  man.  I 
am  the  sole  judge  of  man's  actions,  and  the  discemer 
of  his  most  secret  thoughts  :  I  know  the  nature,  the 
cause,  and  the  effect  of  every  injury  ;  and  make  a 
just  estimate  of  the  wrong  that  is  done  by  the  in- 
jurious, and  sustained  by  the  sufferer.  The  word 
of  reproach  came  forth  from  me  ;  it  was  uttered  by 
my  permission,  "  that  the  thoughts  of  many  hearts 
might  be  revealed  :"  for  though  the  innocent  and  the 
guilty  shall  be  judged  in  the  face  of  the  whole  world, 


192  IMITATION   OP   CHRIST. 

at  the  last  day,  yet  it  is  my  will  to  try  both  before- 
hand, by  a  secret  judgment,  unknown  to  all  but 
myself. 

The  testimony  of  man  is  fallible,  partial,  and 
changeable ;  my  judgment  is  true,  righteous,  and 
permanent  as  my  own  being.  To  me,  therefore, 
thou  must  refer  thy  cause  in  all  human  accusation, 
and  not  trust  to  the  blind  and  partial  determinations 
of  thy  own  mind.  The  righteous  should  never  be 
moved  by  whatever  befalls  him,  knowing  that  it 
comes  from  the  hand  of  God.  Therefore,  if  thou  art 
falsely  accused,  be  not  cast  down ;  or  if  justly  de- 
fended, do  not  triumph  :  for  consider  that  "  I,  the 
Lord,  search  the  heart  and  try  the  reins  ; "  that 
I  judge  not,  as  man  judgeth,  by  deceitful  appear- 
ances ;  and  that,  therefore,  what  is  highly  esteemed 
by  him,  is  often  abomination  in  my  sight 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  God,  the  consciousness  of  innocence  is  not 
sufficient  to  sustain  me  under  the  pressure  of  false 
accusation  :  be  thou,  therefore,  O  most  righteous  and 
most  merciful  Judge,  the  Omniscient  and  Almighty, 
my  confidence  and  my  strength  ! 

Thou  knowest  what  I  know  not ;  thou  knowest 
my  secret  faults,  and  how  justly  I  deserve  continual 
reprehension.  I  ought,  therefore,  whether  I  think  I 
deserve  it  or  not,  to  humble  myself  under  every 
reproof  of  man,  and  bear  it  with  meekness.  O 
pardon  me,  as  often  as  I  have  not  done  this  ;  and 
mercifully  bestow  upon  me  the  grace  of  more  per- 
fect submission ! 

It  is  surely  much  safer  for  me  to  depend  for  de- 


IMITATION   OP   CHRIST.  193 

liverance  from  all  my  evil,  upon  the  free  and  bound- 
less mercy  manifested  in  thy  sacred  humanity  ;  than 
presuming  upon  particular  instances  of  imperfect 
righteousness,  to  justify  myself  before  men,  when 
there  is  so  much  evil  in  me  that  escapes  the  notice  of 
my  own  mind.  And  though  in  many  instances  my 
conscience  condemns  me  not,  yet  am  I  not  therefore 
justified  ;  because,  without  the  merciful  gifts  of 
righteousness  which  is  in  thee,  no  man  Hving  can  be 
justified  in  thy  sight. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

The  Hope  of  Eternal  Life. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  neither  let  the  labors  which  thou  hast 
voluntarily  undertaken  for  my  sake,  break  thy  spirit, 
nor  the  afflictions  that  come  upon  thee  in  the  course 
of  my  providence,  utterly  cast  thee  do\\Ti.  I  am 
an  abundant  recompense,  above  ail  comprehension 
and  all  hope.  Thou  shalt  not  long  labor  here,  nor 
groan  under  the  pressure  of  continual  tro  uble.  Wait 
patiently  the  accomplishment  of  my  vtiW,  and  thou 
shalt  see  a  speedy  end  of  all  e\1i :  the  hour  will  quick- 
ly come,  when  labor  and  sorrow  shall  cease  ;  for 
everything  is  inconsiderable  and  short  that  passeth 
away  in  the  current  of  time. 

What  thou  hast  to  do,  therefore,  do  with  thy 
might.  Labor  faithfully  in  my  vineyard  ;  I  myself 
17 


194  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

will  be  thy  reward.  Write,  read,  sing  my  praises, 
bewail  thy  own  sins,  pray  in  the  spirit,  and  with 
patient  resolution  bear  all  afflictions  :  eternal  life  is 
worthy  not  only  of  such  watchful  diligence,  but  of 
the  severest  conflicts. 

The  day  is  coming,  fixed  by  my  unalterable  decree, 
when,  instead  of  the  vicissitudes  of  day  and  night, 
and  joy  and  sorrow,  there  shall  be  uninterrupted  light, 
infinite  splendor,  unchangeable  peace,  and  everlasting 
rest.  Then  thou  wilt  no  longer  say,  "  Who  shall  de- 
liver me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?"  nor  exclaim, 
"  Wo  is  me,  that  my  pilgrimage  is  prolonged  !"  for 
"  death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory,"  and  "  the 
corruptible  will  have  put  on  incorruption."  Then 
"all  tears  shall  be  wiped  away  from  thy  eyes,"  and 
all  sorrow  taken  from  thy  heart ;  and  thou  shalt  en- 
joy perpetual  delight  in  the  lovely  society  of  angels, 
and  "  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect." 

O,  was  it  possible  for  thee  to  behold  the  unfading 
brightness  of  those  crowns  which  the  blessed  wear 
in  heaven  ;  and  with  what  triumphant  glory,  they, 
whom  the  world  once  despised,  and  thought  unwor- 
thy even  of  life  itself,  are  now  invested  ;  verily,  thou 
wouldst  humble  thyself  to  the  dust,  and  be  resigned 
to  thy  inferiority.  Instead  of  sighing  for  the  per- 
petual enjoyment  of  the  pleasures  of  this  life,  thou 
wouldst  rejoice  in  suffering  all  its  afflictions  for  the 
sake  of  God  ;  and  wouldst  count  it  great  gain,  to  be 
despised  and  rejected  as  nothing  among  men. 

If  a  true  sense  of  these  astonishing  glories,  which 

re  offered  thee  as  the  object  of  thy  faith  and  hope^ 

had  entered  into  the  depths  of  thy  heart,  cauldsl 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  195 

thou  utter  one  complaint  of  the  evil  of  thy  state  ? 
Is  any  labor  too  painful  to  be  undertaken,  any  afflic- 
tion too  severe  to  be  sustained,  for  eternal  Ufe  ?  Is 
the  gain  or  loss  of  the  kingdom  of  God  an  alterna- 
tive of  no  importance  ?  Lift  up  thy  thoughts  and 
thy  desires,  therefore,  continually  to  heaven.  Be- 
hold, all  who  have  taken  up  the  cross,  and  followed 
me,  the  Captain  of  their  salvation,  in  resisting  and 
conquering  the  evil  of  this  fallen  state,  now  rejoice 
securely,  and  shall  abide  with  me  for  ever  in  the 
kingdom  of  my  Father  I 

DISCIPLE. 

O  most  blessed  mansions  of  the  heavenly  Jerusa- 
lem !  O  most  effulgent  day  of  eternity,  which  night 
obscureth  not,  but  the  supreme  truth  continually 
enlighteneth  !  a  day  of  perennial  peace  and  joy,  in- 
capable of  change  or  intermission  !  It  shineth  now 
in  the  full  splendor  of  perpetual  light,  to  the  blessed  ; 
but  to  the  poor  pilgrims  on  earth,  it  appeareth  only 
at  a  great  distance,  and  "  through  a  glass  darkly." 
The  redeemed  sons  of  heaven  triumph  in  the  pe> 
ception  of  the  joys  of  this  eternal  day,  while  the  dis- 
tressed sons  of  Eve  lament  the  irksomeness  of  days 
teeming  with  distress  and  anguish.  How  is  man 
defiled  with  sins,  agitated  with  passions,  disquieted 
with  fears,  tortured  with  cares,  embarrassed  with 
refinements,  deluded  with  vanities,  encompassed 
with  errors,  worn  out  with  labors,  vexed  with  temp- 
tations, enervated  with  pleasures,  and  tormented 
with  want  1 

O  when  will  these  various  evils  be  no  more.* 
,^hen  shall  I  be  delivered  from  the  slavery  of  sin  ? 


196  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

When,  O  Lord,  shall  my  thoughts  and  desires  centre 
and  be  fixed  in  thee  alone  ?  When  shall  I  regain 
my  native  liberty  ?  O,  when  will  peace  return,  and 
be  established;  peace  from  the  troubles  of  the  world, 
and  the  disorders  of  sinful  passions  :  universal  peace, 
incapable  of  interruption;  that  "peace  which  pass- 
eth  all  understanding  r "  When,  O  most  merciful 
Jesus!  when  shall  I  stand  in  pure  abstraction  from 
all  inferior  good,  to  gaze  upon  thee,  and  contemplate 
the  wonders  of  redeeming  love  ?  When  wilt  thou 
be  to  me  all  in  all  ?  O,  when  shall  I  dwell  \\nth  thee 
in  that  kingdom,  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  thy 
beloved  before  the  foundations  of  the  world  ? 

Soften,  I  beseech  thee,  the  rigor  of  my  banishment, 
assuage  the  violence  of  my  sorrow  !  for  my  soul 
thirsteth  after  thee  ;  and  all  that  the  world  offers 
for  my  comfort,  would  but  add  more  weight  to  the 
burden  that  oppresses  me.  I  long,  O  Lord,  to  enjoy 
thee  truly,  and  would  fain  rise  to  a  constant  adhe- 
rence to  heavenly  objects  ;  but  the  power  of  earthly 
objects,  operating  upon  my  unmortified  passions, 
keeps  me  down.  My  mind  labors  to  be  superior  to 
the  good  and  evil  of  this  animal  life,  but  my  body 
constrains  it  to  be  subject  to  them.  And  thus, 
"  wretched  man  that  I  am,"  while  the  spirit  is  al- 
ways tending  to  heaven,  and  the  flesh  to  earth,  my 
heart  is  the  seat  of  incessant  war,  and  I  am  a  burden 
to  myself ! 

O,  what  do  I  suffer,  when  raising  my  soul  to  thee, 
a  crowd  of  carnal  images  suddenly  rush  upon  me, 
and  intercept  my  flight.  "  O  my  God,  be  not  fa? 
from  me  !    Put  not  away  thy  servant  in  anger ! 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 


19^ 


Cast  forth  thy  lightning,  and  scatter  "  the  illusions 
of  the  enemy  ;  "  shoot  out  thine  arrows,  and  de- 
stroy" his  power !  Call  in  my  wandering  thoughts 
and  desires,  and  unite  them  to  thyself;  efface  the 
impressions  of  worldly  objects  ;  give  me  power  to 
cast  away  immediately  the  imaginations  of  wicked- 
ness. O  Eternal  Truth,  establish  me  in  thyself,  that 
no  blast  of  vanity  may  have  power  to  move  me !  O 
immaculate  purity,  enter  the  temple  of  my  heart, 
and  let  all  that  is  unholy  be  driven  from  thy  pre- 
sence ! 

In  merciful  compassion  to  my  infirmity,  pardon 
me,  O  Lord,  my  wandering  thoughts  in  prayer.  I 
confess  that  my  distractions  are  great  and  frequent  j 
and,  instead  of  being  present  in  spirit  where  I  stand, 
or  kneel,  I  am  carried  to  various  places,  just  as  my 
roving  thoughts  lead  me.  Thou,  O  Truth,  hast  ex- 
pressly declared,  that  "  where  the  treasure  is,  there 
will  the  heart  be  also."  And  accordingly  I  find,  in  the 
various  revolutions  of  my  changeable  heart,  that 
when  I  love  heaven,  I  take  pleasure  in  meditating  on 
heavenly  enjo^mients ;  when  I  love  the  world,  I 
think  with  delight  on  its  advantages,  and  with  sor- 
row on  its  troubles  ;  when  I  love  the  flesh,  my  im- 
agination wanders  among  its  various  pleasures  ;  when 
I  love  the  Spirit,  my  faculties  are  with  holy  joy  de- 
voted to  spiritual  exercises.  Whatever  I  chiefly  love, 
of  that  I  delight  chiefly  to  hear  and  speak ;  and  I 
carry. home  with  me  the  diversified  images  of  it, 
even  to  my  most  secret  retirement. 


198  IMITATION  OF   CHRIST.  * 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

The  Desire  and  Promise  of  Eternal  Life. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  when  thou  perceivcst  the  heaven-bora 
desire  of  eternal  life  rising  within  thee,  open  thy 
heart  wide,  and  with  all  the  eagerness  of  hunger, 
receive  this  holy  inspiration.  Without  any  mixture 
of  complacency,  and  self-admiration,  let  all  thy  thanks 
Eind  praise  be  faithfully  rendered  to  the  sovereign 
goodness,  which  so  mercifully  dealeth  with  thee,  so 
condescendingly  visitest  thee,  so  fervently  exciteth 
thee,  and  so  powerfully  raiseth  thee  up,  lest,  by  the 
propensity  of  thy  own  nature,  thou  shouldst  be  im- 
movably fixed  to  the  earth.  For  this  new  princi- 
ple of  life  within  thee  is  not  the  production  of  thy 
own  reasoning,  and  thy  own  efforts,  but  is  the  fruit 
of  divine  grace,  and  redeeming  love,  to  lead  thee  on 
to  holiness,  to  fill  thee  \vith  humility,  to  sustain  thee 
in  all  conflicts  with  sinful  nature,  and  to  enable  thee 
to  adhere  to  me  with  all  thy  heart. 

The  fire  of  devotion  is  often  ardent,  in  thy  heart ; 
but  the  flame  ascends  not  without  smoke.  Thy 
desires,  while  they  burn  for  the  enjoyment  of  heav- 
en, are  sullied  with  the  dark  vapors  of  carnal  affec- 
tion ;  and  that  wliich  is  so  earnestly  sought  frona 
God,  is  not  sought  wholly  and  purely  for  his  honor. 
That  cannot  be  pure,  which  is  mixed  with  self-inter- 
est. Make  not,  therefore,  thy  own  delight  and  advan- 
tage, but  my  will  and  honor,  the  ground  and  measure 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  199 

of  all  thy  requests  ;  for  if  thou  judgest  according  to 
truth,  thou  wilt  cheerfully  submit  to  my  appoint- 
ment, and  always  prefer  the  accomplishment  of  my 
will  to  the  gratification  of  thy  desires. 

I  know  thy  desire,  and  thy  groaning  is  not  hid 
,  from  me.  Thou  wouldst  this  moment  be  admitted 
into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God  ;  thou 
longest  lor  the  immediate  possession  of  the  celestial 
mansions,  and  the  unfading  pleasures  of  the  heaven- 
ly Canaan  :  but  thy  hour  is  not  yet  come.  Thou 
wishest  now  to  be  filled  with  the  sovereign  good  ; 
but  thou  art  not  yet  capable  of  enjoying  it. 

Thou  must  be  proved  upon  earth,  and  exercised 
with  various  troubles.  Some  measures  of  consola- 
tion shall  be  imparted,  to  animate  and  sustain  thee 
in  thy  conflicts  ;  but  the  plenitude  of  peace  and  joy 
is  reserved  for  the  future  world.  "  Be  strong,  and  of 
good  courage,"  therefore,  in  doing  and  in  suffering  ; 
for  thou  must  now  "  put  on  the  new  man,"  with 
new  perceptions,  will,  and  desires. 

While  this  important  change  is  making,  thou  wilt 
oflen  be  obliged  to  relinquish  thy  own  will,  and  do 
that  which  thou  dislikest,  and  forbear  that  which 
thou  choosest.  Often  the  designs  of  others  will  suc- 
ceed, and  thy  own  prove  abortive  ;  what  others  say 
shall  be  listened  to  with  eager  attention,  but  what 
thou  sayest  shall  either  not  be  heard,  or.rejected  with 
disdain ;  others  shall  ask  once,  and  receive ;  thou  shalt 
ask  oflen,  and  not  obtain  ;  the  tongue  of  fame  shall 
speak  long  and  loud  of  the  accomplishments  of  oth- 
ers, and  be  utterly  silent  of  thine  ;  and  others  shall 
be  advanced  to  stations  of  wealth  and  honor,  while 


200  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

thou  art  passed  by,  as  unworthy  of  trust,  or  incapa- 
ble of  service.  At  such  trials,  nature  will  be  greatly 
offended  and  grieved  ;  and  it  will  require  a  severe 
struggle  to  suppress  resentment :  yet  much  benefit 
will  be  derived  from  a  meek  and  silent  submission; 
for  by  such  the  servant  of  the  Lord  proves  his 
fidelity  in  denying  himself,  and  subduing  his  corrupt 
appetites  and  passions. 

If  thou  wilt  consider  the  speedy  end  of  all  these 
trials,  and  the  ev^erlasting  peace  and  blessedness  that 
will  succeed,  they  will  then,  so  far  from  being  occa- 
sions of  disquietude  and  distress,  furnish  the  most 
comfortable  encouragements  to  persevering  patience. 
In  exchange  for  that  small  portion  of  corrui)t  and 
selfish  will,  which  thou  hast  freely  forsaken  in  this 
world,  thou  shalt  always  have  thy  will  in  heaven  : 
there,  whatever  thou  wiliest,  thou  shalt  find ;  and 
whatever  thou  desireth,  thou  shalt  possess  :  there 
thou  shalt  enjoy  all  good,  -without  the  fear  of  losing 
any  part.  Thy  will  being  always  the  same  with 
mine,  shall  desire  nothing  private  and  personal,  noth- 
ing out  of  me,  nothing  but  what  I  myself  desire  : 
thou  shalt  meet  with  no  resistance,  no  accusation, 
no  contradiction,  no  obstruction  ;  but  all  good  shall 
be  present  at  once  to  satisfy  the  largest  wishes  of 
thy  heart.  There,  for  transient  shame  patiently  en- 
dured, I  will  give  immortal  honor ;  "  the  garment 
of  praise,  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness  ;"  and  for  the 
lowermost  seat,  an  everlasting  throne.  There  the 
fruits  of  obedience  shall  flourish,  the  labor  of  peni- 
tence rejoice,  and  the  cheerfulness  of  subjection  re- 
ceive a  crown  of  glory. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  201 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 
Jl  desolate  Spirit  committing  itself  to  God. 

DISCIPLE. 

O  Lord  God,  holy  Fatlier,  be  thou  blessed  now 
and  for  ever !  for  whatever  thou  wiliest,  is  done ; 
and  all  that  thou  wiliest,  is  good.  Let  thy  servant 
rejoice,  not  in  himself,  nor  in  any  other  creature, 
but  in  thee ;  for  thou  only  art  the  object  of  true  joy: 
thou,  O  Lord,  art  my  hope  and  exaltation,  my  right- 
eousness and  crown  of  glory  !  What  good  do  I  pos- 
sess, which  I  have  not  received  from  thee,  as  the  free 
and  unmerited  gift  of  redeeming  love  ?  All  is  thine, 
whatever  has  been  done  for  me,  or  given  to  me. 

"  I  am  poor  and  afflicted  from  my  youth  up  :" 
and  sometimes  my  soul  is  sorrowful,  even  unto 
death ;  and  sometimes  is  filled  with  consternation 
and  terror  at  the  evils  that  threaten  to  overwhelm 
me.  But  I  long,  O  Lord,  for  the  blessings  of  peace ; 
I  earnestly  implore  the  peace  of  thy  cliildren,  who 
are  sustained  by  thee  in  the  light  of  thy  counte- 
nance. Shouldst  thou  bestow  peace  ;  shouldst  thou 
pour  forth  the  treasures  of  heavenly  joy ;  the  soul 
of  thy  servant  shall  be  turned  to  harmony,  and  de- 
voutly celebrate  thy  praise.  But  if  thou  still  with- 
holdest  thy  enlivening  presence,  I  cannot "  run  the 
way  of  thy  commandments  ; "  but  must  smite  upon 
my  bosom,  because  it  is  not  with  me  as  it  was  once, 
"  when  thy  lamp  shone  upon  my  head." 

O  Father,  ever  to  be  praised,  now  is  the  hour  of 


202  IMITATION   OF   CHRIST. 

thy  servant's  trial !  O  merciful  Father,  ever  to  be 
loved,  it  is  well  that  thy  servant  should  suffer  some- 
thing for  thy  sake  !  O  Father,  infinitely  wise,  and 
ever  to  be  adored,  that  hour  is  come,  which  thou  didst 
foreknow  from  all  eternity,  in  which  thy  servant 
shall  be  oppressed  and  enfeebled  in  his  outward  man, 
that  his  inward  man  may  live  to  thee  for  ever !  It 
is  necessary  I  should  be  disgraced,  humbled,  and 
brought  to  nothing,  in  the  sight  of  men  ;  should  be 
broken  with  sufferings,  and  worn  down  with  infirmi- 
ties ;  that  I  may  be  prepared  to  rise  again  in  the  splen- 
dor of  the  new  and  everlasting  day,  and  be  glorified 
with  thee  in  heaven  ! 

It  is  thy  peculiar  favor  to  him  whom  thou  hast 
condescended  to  choose  for  thy  friend,  to  let  him 
suffer  in  this  world,  in  testimony  of  his  fidelity  and 
love  :  and  be  the  affliction  ever  so  great ;  and  how- 
ever often,  and  by  whatever  hand  it  is  administered, 
it  comes  from  the  counsels  of  thy  infinite  wisdom, 
and  is  under  the  direction  of  thy  merciful  provi- 
dence ;  for  without  thee  nothing  is  done  upon  the 
face  of  the  earth.  Therefore,  "  it  is  good  for  me, 
O  Lord,  that  I  should  be  afflicted,  that  I  may  learn 
thy  statutes,"  and  utterly  cast  from  me  all  self-con- 
fidence and  self-exaltation.  It  is  good  for  me,  that 
"  shame  should  cover  my  face  :"  that  in  seeking 
comfort,  I  may  have  recourse,  not  to  men,  but  to 
thee ;  that  I  may  learn  to  adore  in  silence  thy  un- 
searchable judgments. 

I  give  thee  thanks,  O  Father  of  mercies  !  that  thou 
hast  not  spared  the  evil  that  is  in  me;  but  hast 
humbled  sinful  nature  by  severe  chastisements,  m- 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  203^ 

flicting  pains,  and  accumulating  sorrows,  both  from 
within  and  from  without ;  and  of  all  in  heaven  and 
on  earth,  there  is  none  that  can  bring  me  comfort 
but  thou,  0  Lord  my  God,  the  sovereign  physician 
of  diseased  souls  ;  "  who  woundest  and  healest,  who 
bringest  down  to  the  grave,  and  raisest  up  again! " 
Thy  chastisement  is  upon  me,  let  thy  rod  teach  me 
wisdom! 

Behold,  dear  Father,  I  am  in  thy  hands,  and  bow 
myself  under  the  rod  of  thy  correction !  O  teach  my 
untractable  spirit  a  ready  compliance  with  thy  right- 
eous will !  Make  me  thy  holy  and  humble  disciple, 
as  thou  hast  often  done  others,  that  I  may  cheerful- 
ly obey  every  intimation  of  thy  good  pleasure  !  To 
thy  merciful  discipline  I  commend  all  that  I  am,  and 
bless  thee,  that  thou  hast  not  reserved  me  for  the 
awful  and  penal  chastisements  of  the  future  world. 
Thou  knowest  the  whole  extent  of  being,  and  all  its 
parts  ;  and  no  thought  or  desire  passeth  in  the  heart 
of  man,  that  is  hidden  from  thy  sight.  From  all 
eternity,  thou  knowest  the  events  of  time ;  thou 
knowest  what  is  most  expedient  for  my  advancement 
iti  holiness,  and  how  effectually  tribulation  contribu- 
teth  to  wear  away  the  rust  of  corruption.  Do  with 
me,  therefore,  O  Lord,  according  to  thy  own  will. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  from  this  hour,  I  may  know 
only  that  which  is  worthy  to  be  known  ;  that  I  may 
love  only  that  which  is  truly  lovely ;  that  I  may 
praise  only  that  which  chiefly  pleaseth  thee  ;  and 
that  I  may  esteem  what  thou  esteemest,  and  despise 
that  which  is  contemptible  in  thy  sight !  Suffer  me 
no  longer  to  judge  by  the  imperfect  perception  of  my 


204  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

own  senses,  or  of  the  senses  of  men  ignorant  like 
myself;  but  enable  me  to  judge  both  of  \asible  and 
invisible  things,  by  the  Spirit  of  Truth  ;  and,  above 
all,  to  know  and  to  obey  thy  will.  How  great  an 
instance  of  this  infallibility  of  judgment,  is  the  glory 
that  is  given  and  received  among  men !  for  none  is 
made  great  by  the  voice  of  human  praise.  When 
men  extol  each  other,  the  cheat  imposes  upon  the 
cheat,  the  vain  flatters  the  vain,  the  blind  leads  the 
blind,  the  weak  supports  the  weak. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

We  must  account  ourselves  rather  worthy  of 
Affiiction  than  Comfort. 

CHRIST. 

Thou  hast  not  been  able,  my  son,  to  continue  in 
the  uninterrupted  enjoyment  of  spiritual  fervor,  nor 
alwaj^s  to  stand  upon  the  heights  of  pure  contempla- 
tion, through  the  influence  of  that  evil  nature  into 
which  thou  art  fallen.  Thou  must  sometimes  feel 
thy  poverty  and  weakness,  though  with  shame  and 
regret.  As  long  as  thou  art  united  to  an  earthly 
body,  thy  days  will  often  be  full  of  heaviness,  and 
thy  heart  of  sorrow.  Unable  to  escape  from  flesh 
and  blood,  thou  must  still  feel  the  severity  of  its  re- 
straints, and  groan  under  the  power  of  those  carnal 
appetites  that  interrupt  the  exercises  of  the  Spirit, 
and  intercept  thy  views  of  heaven. 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  205 

In  such  seasons  of  weakness  and  sorrow,  it  is  ne- 
cessary for  thee  to  be  the  more  earnest  in  external 
exercises,  and  seek  relief  in  the  diligent  practice 
of  common  duties  ;  with  assured  confidence  expect- 
ing my  return,  and  with  meek  patience  bearing 
this  state  of  banishment  to  darkness  and  desola- 
tion, till  I  visit  thee  again,  and  deliver  thee  from  all 
thy  distress.  Then  I  will  make  thee  forget  past  suf- 
ferings, in  the  enjoyment  of  profound  peace  ;  I  will 
so  fully  open  to  thy  mind  the  divine  truths  contained 
in  my  written  word,  that  thou  shalt  begin  with  "  an 
enlarged  heart  to  run  the  way  of  my  command- 
ments ;"  and  in  the  joyful  anticipation  of  the  heaven- 
ly life,  thou  shalt  feel  and  confess,  that  "  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared Avith  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  in  thee." 

DISCIPLE 

Lord,  I  am  unworthy,  not  only  of  the  superior 
comforts,  but  of  the  least  visitations  of  thy  Spirit  j 
and,  therefore,  thou  dealest  righteously  with  me, 
when  thou  leavest  me  to  my  own  poverty  and 
wretchedness.  Though,  from  the  anguish  of  my 
soul,  "  rivers  of  tears "  were  to  "  flow  day  and 
night,"  still  thou  wouldst  deal  righteously  with  me, 
if  thou  still  shouldst  withdraw  thy  consolations:  for  I 
am  worthy  only  of  stripes  and  afflictions,  because  I 
have  frequently  and  obstinately  resisted  thy  will,  and 
in  many  things  have  heinously  offended.  From  a 
faithful  retrospect  of  my  past  life,  I  cannot  plead 
the  least  title  to  thy  smallest  favors,  but  "thou,  O 
Lord,  art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  plenteous  in 
mercy." 


206  IMITATION   OP   CHRIST. 

What  am  I,  O  Lord  !  and  what  have  I  done,  that 
thou  shouldst  bestow  ujjon  me  any  consolation  ?  So 
far  from  being  able  to  recollect  the  least  goodness 
proceeding  from  myself,  I  have  been  always  prone  to 
evil,  and  insensible  and  sluggish  under  the  sanctify- 
ing influences  of  thy  grace.  Should  I  say  otherwise, 
thou  wouldst  stand  in  judgment  against  me,  and 
there  is  none  that  would  be  able  to  support  my  cause. 
My  sins  are  so  numerous  and  aggravated,  that  they 
have  exposed  me  to  everlasting  wrath  ;  much  more 
have  they  rendered  me  unworthy  of  the  society  of 
thy  faithful  servants,  from  which  I  deserve  to  be 
driven,  as  an  object  of  universal  scorn  and  contempt. 

But,  oppressed  with  guilt,  and  filled  with  confu- 
sion as  I  am,  what  shall  I  say  ?  I  have  no  power 
to  utter  more  than  this: — I  have  sinned,  O  Lord, 
"  against  thee  only  have  I  sinned.  Have  mercy  upon 
me,  according  to  thy  loving  kindness  ;  and  according 
to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  blot  out  all 
my  transgressions."  Bear  with  me  a  little  while, 
that  I  may  truly  bewail  my  corruption  and  misery, 
"  before  I  go  to  the  land  of  darkness,"  that  is  cover- 
ed with  the  shadow  of  death.  And  from  a  siiiner, 
laden  with  such  aggravated  guilt,  what  other  repar- 
ation dost  thou  desire  for  his  transgressions,  and 
what  other  is  he  capable  of,  but  a  heart  broken  with 
holy  sorrow,  and  humbled  to  the  dust  ? 

In  true  contrition  and  humiliation,  the  hope  of 
pardon  hath  its  birth  :  there  the  troubled  conscience 
is  set  at  rest:  man  ia  delivered  from  the  wrath  Id 
Qome  ;  and  God  and  the  penitent  soul  meet  togethej 
with  a  holy  kiss.    The  humble  sorrow  of  a  broken 


IMITATION   OP   CHRIST.  207 

and  a  contrite  heart  is  thy^chosen  sacrifice,  O  Lord ! 
infinitely  more  fragrant  than  clouds  of  burning  in- 
cense :  it  is  the  precious  ointment,  with  which  thou 
desirest  to  have  thy  holy  feet  anointed.  A  broken 
and  a  contrite  heart,  thou  never  didst,  nor  ever  will 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

The  Grace  of  God  comports  not  with  Love  of  the 
World. 

CHRIST. 

Son,  my  grace,  which  is  infinitely  pure,  like  the 
fountain  from  whence  it  flows,  cannot  unite  with 
the  love  of  sensual  pleasure,  and  worldly  enjoyment. 
If,  therefore,  thou  desirest  to  receive  this  heavenly 
gift,  thou  must  banish  from  thy  heart  every  affec- 
tion that  obstructs  its  entrance.  Choose  a  place  of 
undisturbed  privacy  for  thy  resort ;  delight  in  r^ 
tirement  and  solitude  ;  and,  instead  of  wasting  thy 
invaluable  moments  in  the  vain  and  unprofitable  con- 
versations of  men,  devote  them  to  prayer  and  holy 
intercourse  with  God,  which  will  increase  compunc* 
tion,  and  purify  thy  conscience.  Thou  must  wean 
thy  heart  from  all  human  consolation  and  depei> 
dence ;  and  be  able  to  forsake  even  thy  most  intimate 
associate  and  dearest  friend.  This  duty,  and  ths 
ground  of  it,  I  have  already  taught  thee  by  my  apo3» 
tie  Peter,  who  earnestly  beseeches  my  faithful  fol» 


203  IMITATION   OP   CHRIST. 

lowers  to  consider  themselves^  as  they  truly  are — 
"strangers  and  pilgrims"  in  the  world;  and,  in 
that  character,  to  abstam  from  the  indulgence  of 
earthly  and  carnal  affections,  "which  war  against 
the  soul." 

With  what  confidence  and  peace  shall  that  man, 
in  the  hour  of  his  dissolution,  look  on  death,  whom 
no  personal  affection  or  worldly  interest  binds  down 
to  the  present  life !  When  self  is  once  overcome, 
the  conquest  of  every  other  evil  Avill  be  easy.  This 
is  the  true  victory;  this  the  glorious  triumph  of  the 
new  man !  And  he,  whose  sensual  appetite  is  kept 
in  continual  subjection  to  his  spirit,  and  his  spirit  in 
continual  subjection  to  my  will,  he  is  this  mighty 
conqueror  of  himself,  and  the  Lord  of  the  whole 
world. 

If,  with  holy  ambition,  thou  desirest  to  ascend  this 
height  of  perfection,  thou  must  set  out  with  a  re- 
solved will,  and  first  lay  the  axe  to  the  root,  that  self 
may  be  cut  off  From  self-love,  as  the  corrupt 
stock,  are  derived  the  numerous  branches  of  that 
evil  which  forms  the  trials  of  man  in  his  struggles 
for  redemption ;  and  when  this  stock  is  plucked  up 
by  the  roots,  holiness  and  peace  will  be  implanted  in 
its  room,  and  flourish  forever  with  unfading  verdure. 
But  how  few  labor  for  this  extirpation !  How  few 
seek  to  obtain  the  divine  fife,  which  can  only  rise 
from  the  death  of  self  !  And  thus  men  lie  bound 
in  the  complicated  chains  of  animal  passions,  un- 
willing, and,  therefore,  unable,  to  rise  above  the 
selfish  enjoyments  of  flesh  and  blood. 


imitatio:n  of  christ. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

The  different  Opei-ations  of  Nature  and  Grace. 

CHRIST. 

My  son,  observe,  with  watchful  attention,  the 
motions  of  nature  and  grace ;  for  though  infinitely 
different,  they  are  yet  so  subtle  and  intricate,  as  not 
always  to  be  distinguished,  but  by  an  illuminated  and 
sanctified  spirit.  Men  invariably  desire  the  posses- 
sion of  good  ;  and  some  good  is  always  pretended,  as 
the  constant  motive  of  their  words  and  actions  ;  and, 
therefore,  many  are  deluded  by  an  appearance  of 
good,  when  the  reality  is  wholly  wanting. 

Nature  is  crafty  :  she  allures,  ensnares,  and  de- 
ceives; and  continually  designs  her  own  gratification, 
as  her  ultimate  end.  But  grace  walks  in  simplicity 
and  truth  ;  "  abstains  from  all  appearance  of  evil ;" 
pretends  no  fallacious  views;  but  acteth  from  the 
pure  love  of  God,  in  v\^hom  she  rests  as  her  supreme 
and  final  good. 

Nature  abhors  the  death  of  self;  will  not  be 
restrained,  will  not  be  conquered,  will  not  be  subor- 
dinate, but  reluctantly  obeys  when  obedience  is 
unavoidable  Grace,  on  the  contrary,  is  bent  on 
self-mortification  ;  continually  resists  the  sensual  ap- 
petite ;  seeks  occasion  of  subjection ;  longs  to  be  sub- 
dued, and  even  uses  not  the  liberty  she  possesses: 
loves  to  be  restrained  by  the  rules  of  strict  discipline; 
and  has  no  desire  for  the  exercise  of  authority  and 
dominion. 

18 


210  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

Nature  is  always  laboring  for  her  own  interest , 
and,  in  her  intercourse  with  others,  considers  only 
what  advantages  she  can  secure  for  herself:  but 
grace  regards  that  most,  which  is  most  subservient 
to  the  common  good. 

Nature,  as  her  chief  distinction,  is  fond  of  re- 
ceiving honor  and  api)lause  ;  grace  faithfully  ascribes 
all  honor  and  praise  to  God,  as  his  unalienable  right. 

Nature  dreads  ignominy  and  contempt,  and  can- 
not bear  them  even  in  the  cause  of  truthj  but  grace 
rejoices  to  suffer  reproach  for  the  name  of  Jesus. 

Nature  courts  idleness  and  rest ;  grace  shuns  idle- 
ness as  the  nurse  of  sin,  and  embraces  labor  as  the 
duty  and  blessing  of  life. 

Nature  delights  in  the  splendor  of  dress  5  hates 
and  despises  what  is  coars3  and  vulgar,  and  wearies 
imagination  in  the  contrivance  of  ornam.ent.  But 
grace,  instead  of  decorating  the  body,  spontaneously 
puts  on  plain  and  humble  garments,  nor  refuses  even 
those  that  are  disagreeable  to  the  flesh,  ill-fashioned, 
and  decayed. 

Nature  regards  only  the  good  and  evil  of  this  tem- 
poral world  ;  is  elated  with  success,  depressed  by 
disappointment,  and  kindled  into  wrath  by  the  least 
breath  of  reproach.  But  grace  adheres  not  to  the 
enjoyments  of  tinie  and  sense :  is  neither  moved  by 
loss  or  gain,  nor  incensed  by  the  bitterest  invectives, 
but  lives  in  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

Nature  continually  seeks  after  those  treasures 
which  may  not  only  be  corrupted  by  moth  and  rust, 
and  stolen  by  thieves,  but  which  are  in  themselves 
perishing  and  evanescent.    Grace  lays  up  treasures 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  211 

in  heaven,  where  nothing  perisheth,  nothing  fadeth  ; 
and  "  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  do  corrupt,  nor 
thieves  break  through  and  steal." 

Nature  is  covetous ;  grasps  at  peculiarity  of  pos- 
session, and  greedily  takes  what  she  hates  to  give 
away.  Grace  is  benevolent  and  bountiful  to  all  ;  re- 
gards property  as  really  belonging  to  God ;  is  content 
with  the  necessary  supports  of  life ;  and  esteems  it 
"  more  blessed  to  give,  than  to  receive." 

Nature  is  strongly  disposed  to  the  enjoyment  of 
the  creatures,  to  the  gratification  of  sensual  desire, 
and  to  incessant  wandering  from  place  to  place,  in 
quest  of  new  delight.  Grace  is  continually  drawn 
after  God  and  goodness  ;  she  restrains  the  desire  of 
wandering,  and  even  for  shame  declines  being  seen 
in  places  of  public  resort. 

Nature,  in  the  depths  of  distress,  seeks  all  com- 
fort from  that  which  produces  animal  delight :  grace 
has  no  comfort  but  in  God  ;  and  leaving  below,  this 
visible  world,  seeks  rest  only  in  the  enjoyment  of 
the  sovereign  good. 

Nature  always  acts  upon  principles  of  self-inter- 
est :  does  nothing  good  for  its  own  sake ;  but  lor 
every  benefit  expects  either  a  present  recompense, 
or  such  an  establishment  in  the  favor  and  approba- 
tion of  men,  as  will  secure  a  future  return  of  some 
superior  good  ;  and  besides  expecting  to  receive  back 
in  kind,  desires  to  have  her  services  and  gifts  highly 
esteemed  and  applauded.  Grace,  for  the  highest  of- 
fices of  charity  and  bounty,  expects  no  recompense 
from  men,  but  continually  looks  up  to  God,  as  her 


212  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 

exceeding  great  reward  :  has  no  temporal  interests 
to  excite  anxiety,  for  she  desires  no  greater  share  of 
the  possessions  of  time,  than  is  necessary  to  sustain 
her  in  her  progress  to  eternity. 

Nature  exults  in  the  extensive  interest  of  numer- 
ous relations  and  friends  ;  glories  in  dignity  of  sta- 
tion, and  splendor  of  descent;  fawns  upon  the  power- 
ful ;  caresses  the  rich  ;  and,  with  partial  commenda- 
tion, applauds  those  most,  that  are  most  like  herself 
But  grace  loves  her  enemies,  and,  therefore,  counts 
not  the  number  of  her  friends  ;  values  not  the  splen- 
dor of  station,  and  the  nobility  of  birth,  but  as  they 
are  dignified  by  superior  virtue  :  favors  the  poor, 
rather  than  the  rich  ;  compassionates  the  innocent, 
more  than  the  powerful ;  rejoices  with  him  that 
obeys  the  truth,  not  with  the  hypocrite  ;  and  con- 
tinually exhorts  even  the  good,  not  only  to  "  covet 
earnestly  the  best  gifts,"  but  in  "  a  more  excellent 
way,"  by  divine  charity,  to  become  like  the  Son 
of  God. 

Nature,  when  she  feels  her  want  and  misery, 
quickly  and  bitterly  complains  :  grace  bears,  with 
meekness  and  patience,  all  the  poverty  and  wretch- 
edness of  this  fallen  state. 

Nature  refers  all  excellence  to  herself;  argues 
and  contends  for  her  o^vn  wisdom,  and  her  own 
goodness  :  but  grace,  conscious  of  di\-ine  origin, 
refers  all  the  excellence  she  has  to  God ;  does  not 
arrogantly  presume  upon  her  own  wisdom  and  good- 
ness, but  ascribes  neither  goodness  nor  wisdom  to 
herself ;  contends  not  for  a  preference  of  her  own 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  2IS 

opinion  to  the  opinion  of  another  ;  but  in  her  search 
alter  truth,  submits  every  thought  and  sentiment 
to  the  correction  and  guidance  of  infinite  wisdom. 

Nature  is  fond  of  deep  researches,  and  with  eager 
curiosity  listens  to  that  which  is  new  and  strange  : 
affects  to  be  busy  about  the  rectitude  of  public  opin- 
ions, and  pretends  to  demonstrate  truth  by  sensible 
experiment ;  desires  to  be  known  as  the  guardian 
of  men's  minds  from  the  imposition  of  religious 
error ;  and  pursues  those  inquiries  most  that  most 
attract  admiration  and  applause.  But  grace  does 
not  follow  the  cry  of  novelty,  nor  is  captivated  by 
subjects  of  curious  and  refined  speculation  :  knowing 
that  the  lust  of  vain  wisdom  is  derived  from  the 
old  stock  of  human  corruption  ;  and  that  all  that  is 
new  in  this  sublunary  world,  is  no  more  than  the 
varied  forms  of  its  own  vanity  and  misery  :  she  re- 
strains the  busy  activity  of  the  senses  ;  suppresses 
vain  complacency,  shuns  the  ostentation  of  human 
learning  ;  conceals,  under  the  veil  of  humility,  the 
gifts  and  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and,  in  every 
observation  and  discovery,  seeks  only  the  fruits  of 
holiness,  and  the  praise  and  honor  of  God.  She  de- 
sires not  that  herself  and  her  own  wisdom  and  good- 
ness, may  be  proclaimed  and  celebrated,  but  that 
God  may  be  blessed  and  glorified  in  all  his  gifts,  who 
with  pure  love  bestoweth  all  that  is  possessed  both 
by  angels  and  men. 

Such  is  the  transcendency  of  grace  to  nature  ! 
She  is  the  offspring  of  the  light  of  heaven,  the  imme- 
diate gifl  of  God,  the  peculiar  distinction  of  the  elect. 


214  IMITATION    OF    CHRIST. 

and  the  pledge  of  eternal  happiness  ;  by  whose  pow 
er  the  soul  is  raised  from  earth  to  heaven,  and  from 
carnal  transformed  to  spiritual.  The  more,  there- 
fore, our  sinful  nature  is  suppressed  and  subdued, 
the  more  grace  lives  and  triumphs  ;  and,  by  super- 
added communications  of  light  and  strength,  "  the 
inward  man  is,  day  by  day,"  more  and  more  "  re- 
newed after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him." 

DISCIPLE. 

0  Lord,  my  God,  who  didst  create  me  after  thy 
divine  image,  from  which  I  am  now  fallen ;  mer- 
cifully bestow  upon  me  the  grace  which  thou  hast 
represented  as  so  necessary  to  my  restoration,  that 
my  depraved  nature,  which  is  always  tending  to  sin 
and  perdition,  may  be  totally  subdued!  I  feel  in  my- 
self a  "  law  of  sin  warring  against  the  law  of  my 
mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity"  to  sensual 
and  malignant  passions,  which  I  cannot  resist,  till 
thy  Holy  Spirit  kindles  in  my  heart  another  fire. 

1  have  need  of  the  continual  operation  of  his 
sanctifying  power,  to  overcome  all  the  Avorkings  of 
revolted  nature,  which  is  disposed  to  evil  from  its 
birth.  It  fell  in  Adam,  and  fallen,  descended  from 
him  to  all  mankind,  who  have  increased  its  obliquity 
by  voluntary  and  habitual  sin. 

From  this  ground  it  is,  O,  my  God !  that  "  1  delight 
in  thy  law  after  the  inward  man,"  convinced  that "  the 
commandment  is  holy,  just,  and  good,"  condemning 
all  evil,  ajid  warning  against  the  practice  of  it ;  "  but 
with  the  flesh  I  serve  the  law  of  sin,"  and  submit  to 
the  rigorous  tyranny  of  sensual  appetite,  instead  of 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  21& 

the  mild  government  of  thy  Spirit :  from  this  it  is, 
that  "  to  will  is  present  with  me  ;  but  how  to  per- 
form that  which  is  good,  I  find  not."  From  this  it 
is  that  I  form  purposes  of  holiness  ;  but,  upon  the 
trial  of  my  strength  to  accomplish  them,  am  driven 
hack  by  the  least  difficulty.  Though  I  know  the 
path  that  leads  to  the  summit  of  perfection,  and  clear- 
ly discern  by  what  steps  it  is  to  be  ascended,  yet,  la- 
den and  oppressed  with  the  burden  of  my  corruption, 
I  am  unable  to  make  any  progress  in  it.  How  mdi&- 
pensably  necessary,  therefore,  is  thy  grace,  O  Lord ! 
by  whose  power  alone  every  good  work  must  be 
begun,  continued,  and  perfected!  Without  that 
power,  I  can  do  nothing  that  is  acceptable  to  thee ; 
but  with  it,  I  crdi  do  all  things. 

O  grace  essentially  divine  !  thou  hast  all  merit 
within  thyself,  and  givest  to  the  endowments  of  na- 
ture all  their  value  ;  for  what  is  beauty,  or  strength, 
or  wit,  or  learning,  or  eloquence,  in  the  sight  of  God, 
where  grace  does  not  dwell  .''  The  endowments  of 
nature  are  common  to  the  evil  and  the  good  5  but  the 
ornaments  of  grace  are  the  peculiar  marks  of  the 
elect,  and  all  that  are  distinguished  by  them  shall 
inherit  eternal  life.  The  chief  grace  is  charity ; 
without  which,  neither  the  gift  of  prophecy,  nor  the 
power  of  working  miracles,  nor  the  knowledge  of  the 
profoundest  mysteries,  are  of  any  profit ;  not  even 
faith,  and  hope,  and  that  zeal  which  bestoweth  all 
lis  possessions  to  feed  the  poor,  and  gi-^^eth  the  body 
to  be  burned,  are  acceptable  to  thee,  O  God !  with- 
out charity. 


216  IMITATION    OP   CHRIST. 

Come,  then,  O  Lamb  of  God  !  thou  who  makest 
the  poor  in  spirit,  rich  in  goodness,  and  the  rich  in 
goodness,  poor  in  spirit ;  O  come,  descend  into  my 
soul,  and  fill  it  with  the  light  and  comfort  of  thy 
blessed  presence,  lest  it  faint  and  perish  in  the  dark- 
ness and  barrenness  of  its  fallen  state ! 

O  God  of  all  grace  and  consolation  !  that  I  may 
find  grace  in  thy  sight  is  the  sum  of  my  requests  ; 
for  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  is  abundantly  sufficient 
to  supply  all  my  wants,  if  I  were  even  destitute  of 
everything  that  nature  loves  and  covets.  Though 
I  am  tempted  and  troubled  on  every  side ;  "  yea, 
though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death  ;"  yet,  while  thy  grace  is  with  me,  "  I  will 
fear  no  evil."  She  is  my  strength,  my  counsel,  and 
my  defence  ;  mightier  than  all  enemies,  and  wiser 
than  all  the  wise.  She  is  the  revealer  of  truth,  the 
mistress  of  holy  discipline,  the  sanctifier  of  the  heart, 
the  comforter  of  affliction,  the  banisher  of  fear  and 
sorrow,  the  nurse  of  devotion,  the  parent  of  contri- 
tion. Without  her  quickening  power,  I  should  soon 
become  an  unfruitful  and  withered  branch  upon  the 
tree  of  life,  fit  only  to  be  cast  away,  or  thrown  into 
the  fire.  Grant,  therefore;  O  most  merciful  Lord, 
that  thy  grace  may  abide  with  me  continually. 


IMITATION   OF   CHRIST.  217 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

The  Importance   of  Self-denial. 

CHRIST, 

The  more  thou  forsakest  thyself,  my  son,  the 
nearer  wilt  thou  approach  to  me.  I  would  have 
thee,  therefore,  without  the  least  reluctance  or 
murmur,  make  an  unreserved  sacrifice  of  thyself 
to  my  will.  Follow  me  ;  "  I  am  the  way,  the  truth, 
and  the  life."  Only  by  the  way  which  I  have 
opened,  canst  thou  attain  to  Paradise.  Without 
the  truth  which  I  teach,  thou  canst  not  know  the 
way;  and  without  the  Hfe  which  I  impart,  thou 
canst  not  obey  the  truth.  I  am  the  way  thou 
must  go,  the  truth  thou  must  believe,  and  the  life 
thou  must  desire.  I  am  the  invariable  and  perfect 
way ;  the  supreme  and  infallible  truth  ;  the  blessed, 
the  uncreated,  and  endless  life.  In  me  "thou 
shalt  know  the  truth,  and  the  truth  shall  make 
thee  free." 

This  I  have  already  declared  in  the  sacred  records 
of  my  precepts;  and  have  also  told  thee,  that,  "if 
thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  thou  must  keep  the  com- 
mandments ;"  if  thou  wilt  know  the  truth,  thou 
must  "  continue  in  my  word  ;"  if  thou  wilt  be  my 
disciple,  thou  must  "deny  thyself;"  if  thou  wilt 
19 


218  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

keep  thyself  for  eternal  lift?,  thou  must  hate  *  thy 
temporal  life ;  if  thou  woulJst  be  exalted  in  heaven, 
thou  must  humble  thyself  on  earth  ;  and  if  thou  wilt 
reign  with  me,  thou  must  take  up  thy  cross,  and  suf- 
fer with  me  :  for  the  path  of  light  and  glory  is  found 
only  by  the  servants  of  the  cross,  who, "  through 
much  tribulation  must  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God." 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord  Jesus !  thy  way  is  narrow  and  painful,  and 
despised  by  the  world :  do  thou  enable  me  to  walk  in 
it,  and  with  meekness  and  patience  bear  contempt: 
"  for  the  disciple  is  not  above  his  master,  nor  the 
servant  above  his  lord."  Let  me  T3e  continually 
exercised  in  the  study  and  imitation  of  thy  most 
holy  hfe,  in  which  all  perfection  and  blessedness  is 
centred.  Whatever  else  I  hear,  or  read,  or  think 
of,  gives  me  neither  instruction  nor  delight. 

CHRIST. 

Son, "  if  thou  knowest  these  things,  happy  art  thou 
if  thou  doest  them."  "  He  that  hath  my  command- 
ments, and  keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  : 
and  I  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself  to  him," 
and  make  him  to  sit  down  with  me  in  the  kingdom 
of  my  Father. 

*  The  word  hate  is  here  used  in  its  scriptural  sense, 
which  is  not  always  to  hear  ill  will.  Very  often  it 
means,  to  love  far  less  in  comparison.  Thus  must 
we  hate  father  and  mother,  yea,  and  our  own  life  also  in 
comparison  with  Chiist.     Lukexi\.2Q  Ed. 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  219 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  that  this  gracious  promise 
may  be  accomplished  in  thy  servant  !  I  receive  the 
cross  from  thee ;  and  by  the  strength  of  that  Al- 
mighty hand  which  laid  it  upon  me,  I  will  bear 
it  even  unto  death. 

The  new  principle  begotten  in  thy  disciples  im- 
poses continual  restraint  on  natural  appetites  and 
passions,  but  without  such  controul  they  would  not 
follow  the  light  that  leads  to  Paradise.  O  suffer  me 
not  to  look  back  with  a  partial  and  selfish  fondness 
for  the  good  of  this  world,  however  specious  ;  lest  1 
incur  the  dreadful  disqualification  for  "the  inherit- 
ance of  thy  kingdom." 

Come,  my  beloved  brethren,  let  us  take  courage, 
and  hand  in  hand  pursue  our  journey  in  the  path  of 
life  :  Jesus  will  be  with  us  !  for  Jesus'  sake  we  have 
taken  up  the  cross  ;  and,  for  Jesus'  sake,  we  will  per- 
sist in  bearing  it :  He,  who  is  our  captain  and  our 
guide,  will  be  our  strength  and  our  support.  Behold 
our  King,  who  will  fight  our  battles,  leads  the  way ! 
Let  us  resolutely  follow,  undismayed  by  terrors ; 
let  us  choose  death,  rather  than  stain  our  glory  by 
deserting  the  cross. 


220  IMITATION  OF  CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  XL. 


Against  extravagant  Dejection. 

CHRIST. 

Humility  and  patience  under  adversity  are  more 
acceptable  to  me,  my  son,  than  joy  and  fervor  when 
all  is  prosperous  and  peaceful. 

Why  art  thou  offended  and  grieved  at  every  little 
injury  from  men ;  when,  if  it  were  much  greater,  it 
ought  to  be  borne  without  emotion  ?  As  fast  as 
such  evils  arise,  let  their  influence  be  banished  from 
thy  mind  :  they  are  not  new ;  thou  hast  met  with 
mfiny,  and,  if  thy  life  be  long,  shalt  meet  with  many 
more. 

When  adversity  stands  not  in  thy  path,  thou 
dost  boast  thy  fortitude ;  and  can  give  excellent 
counsel  to  others,  whom  thou  expectest  to  derive 
strength  from  thy  exhortations :  but  no  sooner  do 
the  same  evils  that  oppressed  them  turn  upon  thy- 
self, than  fortitude  forsakes  thee,  and  thou  art  desti- 
tute both  of  counsel  and  strength.  O  let  the  fre- 
quent instances  of  the  power  which  the  Kghtest  evils 
have  over  thee,  keep  thee  continually  mindful  of  thy 
great  frailty.  No  evil,  however,  is  permitted  to  be- 
fall thee,  but  what  may  be  made  productive  of  a 
much  greater  good. 

When  thou  meetest  with  injury  from  the  violence 
or  treachery  of  men,  exert  all  thy  resolution  to  drive 


IMITATION  OF  CHRIST.  221 

the  thoughts  of  it  from  thy  heart:  but  if  it  toucheth 
thee  too  sensibly  to  be  soon  buried  hi  forgetfulness, 
let  it  neither  depress  nor  vex  thee  ;  and  if  thou  canst 
not  bear  it  cheerfully,  at  least  bear  it  patiently.  If 
any  censure  that  is  uttered  against  thee  be  too  severe 
and  cruel  to  be  heard  in  silence,  suppress  thy  mdig- 
nation  before  it  burst  into  flame  ;  and  suffer  no  ex- 
pression of  impatience  and  resentment  to  escape  thy 
lips,  that  may  give  occasion  of  scandal  to  the  weak. 
The  storm  that  is  thus  raised  within  thee  will  soon 
subside ;  and  the  wounds  thy  heart  has  received  from 
the  arrows  of  reproach,  shall  be  healed  by  the  influ- 
ence of  restoring  grace.  I  live  for  ever  ;  ready  to 
help  thee  upon  all  occasions,  and  to  bestow  abundant 
consolation  upon  thee,  if  thou  devoutly  callest  upon 
me  for  it. 

Keep  thy  mind  then  calm,  and  girded  for  severer 
conflicts.  Because  thou  art  often  strongly  tempted, 
and  deeply  troubled,  thou  must  not  think  that  all  is 
lost.  Thou  art  man,  not  God  ;  a  spirit  fallen,  not  a 
pure  angel.  How  canst  thou  expect  to  continue  in 
one  unchangeable  state  of  enjoyment .''  Give  up  thy- 
self wholly  to  my  mercy  :  I  am  he  who  comforteth 
all  that  mourn  ;  and  raiseth  to  a  participation  of  di- 
vine strength  all  that  are  truly  sensible  of  their 
weakness. 

DISCIPLE. 

Thy  words,  O  Lord,  distil  as  dew,  and  are  "  sweet- 
er than  honey,  or  the  honey-comb."  What  would 
become  of  me,  in  the  midst  of  so  much  darkness, 
corruption,  and  misery,  without  thy  Holy  Spirit  to 
19* 


222  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

illuminate,  sanctify,  and  comfort  me  ?  I  will  not  re- 
gard what,  nor  how  much  I  suffer,  if  I  can  but  be 
made  capable  of  enjoying  thee,  my  supreme  and  only 
good!  Be  mindful  of  me,  O  most  merciful  God! 
Grant  me  a  safe  passage  through  this  vale  of  sin 
and  sorrow,  and  in  the  true  path  conduct  me  to  thy 
heavenly  kingdom !    Amen. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

Against  the  presumptuous  Inquiries  of  Reason. 

CHRIST. 

Forbear  to  reason,  my  son,  upon  deep  and  mys 
terious  subjects,  especially  the  secret  judgments  ol 
God.  Ask  not.  Why  this  man  is  forsaken,  and  thai 
distinguished  by  a  profusion  of  grace  :  why  one  is  so 
deeply  humbled,  and  another  so  eminently  exalted. 
These  things  surpass  the  limits  of  human  under- 
standing ;  nor  can  the  deepest  reasoning  investigate 
the  proceedings  of  the  IVIost  High.  When,  there- 
fore, such  questions  are  either  suggested  by  the 
enemy,  or  proposed  by  the  vain  curiosity  of  men,  an- 
swer in  the  words  of  the  royal  prophet,  "  Righteous 
art  thou,  O  Lord  !  and  just  are  thy  judgments. 
The  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true,  and  righteous 
altogether."  My  judgments  are  to  be  feared,  not 
discussed ;  for  they  are  incomprehensible  to  every 
understanding  but  my  own. 


liMITATlON   OF   CHRIST.  223 

Forbear  also  to  inquire  and  dispute  concerning  the 
preeminence  of  apostles  and  martyrs ;  who  is  the  most 
holy,  and  who  the  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
These  questions  produce  the  strife  of  unprofitable 
debate,  and  nourish  presumption  and  vain  glory. 

I  am  he  who  formed  all  the  saints  ;  I  gave  them 
grace,  I  have  exalted  them  to  glory  :  I  conferred  the 
peculiar  excellence  which  distinguishes  each,  "  pre- 
venting *  him  with  the  blessings  of  goodness."  I 
knew  my  beloved  before  the  birth  of  time;  and 
chose  those  out  of  the  world,  who  had  not  chosen 
me  :  I  called  them  by  the  free  determination  of  sove- 
reign goodness,  atoned  for  them  by  my  sufferings, 
drew  them  with  the  cords  of  love,  and  led  them  in 
safety  through  various  temptations.  I  poured  upon 
them  the  consolations  of  my  Spirit,  and  crowned 
the  patience  which  I  enabled  them  to  exercise.  ] 
own  the  last  as  well  as  the  first,  and  embrace  every 
one  w^ith  inestimable  love.  I  alone,  who  am  always 
to  be  blessed  and  praised,  am  to  be  "  admired  and 
glorified  in  all  my  saints." 

They  are  now  raised  far  above  the  influence  of 
unholy  nature,  which  is  ever  tending  to  the  love  of 
self;  and  are  passed  into  my  love,  in  which  they 
dwell  with  unutterable  peace  and  joy.  This  love  no 
power  is  able  to  alter  or  suppress  ;  for  it  is  the  inex- 
tinguishable fire  of  their  own  life,  "delivered  from 
the  bondage  of  darkness,"  and  restored  to  its  union 
with  eternal  truth. 

*  The  only  sense  of  the  word  prevent  in  the  scrip- 
tures, is,  to  put,  or  go  before.  Ed. 


224  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 

Beware,  my  son,  of  being  led  by  vain  curiosity  to 
"search  the  things  that  are  above  thy  strength  :" 
and  let  all  thy  faculties  be  employed  in  that  only 
needful  and  important  inquiry,  how  thou  thyself 
mayst  be  found  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  though 
in  the  least  and  lowest  place.  What  does  know- 
ledge avail,  unless  it  make  us  more  humble,  and  ex- 
cite greater  ardor  to  glorify  my  name  ?  He  who, 
in  constant  attention  to  the  state  of  his  own  soul, 
laments  the  multitude  and  enormity  of  his  sins,  and 
the  small  number  and  imperfection  of  his  virtues  ; 
and  when  he  thinks  on  glorified  spirits,  thinks  only 
how  exceedingly  remote  he  is  from  the  perfection 
which  they  hav^e  attained  ;  is  more  acceptable  to  me, 
than  he  who  employs  his  time  and  thoughts  in  con- 
sidering and  disputing  about  the  dilferent  degrees  of 
excellence  and  glory  that  distinguish  the  particular 
members  of  that  illustrious  assembly.  It  is  infinite- 
ly more  useful,  and  more  safe,  with  tears  and  prayers 
to  implore  grace  to  imitate  the  great  examples  they 
have  left ;  than  to  labor,  by  fruitless  inquiries  into 
their  state,  to  know  what  no  human  understanding 
IS  able  to  comprehend. 

Men  should  be  content  with  the  imperfect  know- 
ledge of  their  fallen  state,  and  suppress  their  vain 
curiosity,  and  refrain  from  their  vainer  disputes. 
Happy  spirits  glory  not  in  any  personal  excellence  ; 
for  they  arrogate  no  good  themselves,  but  ascribe 
all  to  me,  who  with  infinite  liberality  have  freely 
given  them  whatever  they  possess.  The  consum- 
Biation  of  their  honor  and  happiness,  is  found  in 


IMITATION   OF    CHRIST.  225 

their  boundless  love  of  God,  and  their  joyful  celebra- 
tion of  his  praise.  The  more  exalted  their  state  is, 
the  more  humble  is  their  spirit ;  and,  therefore,  it  is 
written,  that  the  four  and  twenty  elders,  who  were 
seated  round  the  throne  of  heaven,  "  cast  their 
crowns  before  the  throne,  and  fell  down  before  him 
that  sat  on  the  throne ;  and  worshipped  him  that 
iiveth  for  ever  and  ever." 

Many  solicitously  inquire  into  the  subject  of  de- 
grees in  glory,  who  utterly  neglect  the  infinitely  more 
important  inquiry,  whether  they  themselves  are  likely 
to  be  numbered  there,  even  among  the  least. 

"When  the  disciples,  whom  I  had  chosen  to  attend 
my  ministry  upon  earth,  inquired  who  should  be 
"  the  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;"  it  was 
answered,  "  Except  ye  be  converted,  and  become  as 
little  children,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  But  whosoever  shall  humble  himself  as  a 
httle  child,  the  same  is  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven."  Wo  be  to  them,  therefore,  who  cherish 
the  pride  of  human  attainments  ;  for  the  gate  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  too  low  to  give  them  entrance  ! 
"  Wo  unto  them  that  are  rich,  who  say  they  are 
increased  in  (mental)  riches,  and  have  need  of  noth- 
ing, for  they  have  received  their  consolation  ;"  and 
whilst  the  poor  enter  into  the  kingdom,  they  shall 
stand  weeping  and  wailing  without  !  But  rejoice,  ye 
humble,  and  leap  for  joy,  ye  poor  m  spirit  !  for  while 
ye  continue  in  the  truth  that  has  made  you  what 
ye  are,  "  yours  is  the  kingdom  of  God  ! " 


226  IMITATION   OF    CHRIST. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

Hope  and  Confidence  to  be  placed  in  God  alone. 

DISCIPLE. 

Lord  !  what  is  my  confidence  in  this  life,  and 
what  my  comfort  in  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of 
all  things  under  heaven  ?  Is  it  not  thee  alone,  O  my 
God,  whose  mercies  are  without  number,  and  with- 
out measure  ?  Where  hath  it  been  well  with  me, 
if  thou  wert  absent  ?  I  had  rather  be  naked,  hun- 
gry, and  despised  with  thee,  than  abound  in  honor, 
wealth,  and  pleasure,  without  thee  :  would  rather 
choose,  mth  thee,  to  wander,  and  have  no  place 
"  where  to  lay  my  head,"  than,  without  thee,  to 
possess  a  throne  in  heaven.  Where  thou  art,  there 
is  heaven  ;  and  death  and  hell  are  only  there  where 
thou  art  not.  Thou  art  the  desire  of  my  soul ;  and 
to  thee,  my  sighs  and  groans,  my  cries  and  prayers, 
shall  continually  ascend.  There  is  none  that  is  able 
to  deliver  me  from  my  necessities ;  none  in  whose 
power  and  goodness  I  can  trust,  but  thee,  O  my 
God  !  Thou  art  my  refuge  and  my  hope,  in  every 
distress  ;  my  powerful  Comforter,  and  most  faithful 
friend  ! 

Though  thou  permittest  me  to  be  exposed  to  the 
trial  of  various  troubles,  yet  dost  thou  mercifully 
superintend  the  conflict,  and  direct  the  event  to  mv 


IMITATION    OF    CHRIST.  227 

supreme  and  everlasting  good :  "  for  whom  thou  lov- 
est,  thou  chastenest ;  and  scourgest  every  son  whom 
thou  receivest."  In  this  awful  probation,  thou  art 
not  less  to  be  loved  and  praised,  than  when  thou 
fillest  my  soul  with  heavenly  consolations.  Thou 
alone,  therefore,  O  Lord  my  God  !  art  my  hope 
and  sanctuary ;  with  thee  I  leave  all  my  tribula- 
tion and  anguish,  and  resign  the  beginning,  contin- 
uance, and  end  of  every  trouble,  to  thy  blessed 
will. 

Wherever  I  look  for  support  and  consolation 
out  of  thee,  I  find  nothing  but  weakness  and  distress  : 
and  if  thou  dost  not  revive,  strengthen,  illuminate, 
deliver,  and  preserve  me,  the  friendship  of  mankind 
can  give  no  consolation,  the  strength  of  the  mighty 
bring  no  support,  the  counsel  of  the  wise,  and  the 
labors  of  the  learned,  impart  no  instruction,  the 
treasures  of  the  earth  purchase  no  deliverance,  and 
the  most  secret  places  afford  no  protection.  All 
persons  and  things  that  seem  to  promise  peace  and 
happiness,  are  in  themselves  vanity  and  nothing, 
and  subvert  the  hope  that  is  built  ui)on  them  :  but 
thou  art  the  supreme,  essential,  and  final  good  ;  the 
perfection  of  life,  light,  and  love  ! 

"  Unto  thee  do  I  lift  up  mine  eyes,  O  thou  that 
dwellest  in  the  heavens  ! "  In  thee,  the  Father  of 
mercies,  I  place  all  my  confidence  !  O  illuminate  and 
sanctify  my  soul  with  the  influence  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit ;  that  being  delivered  from  all  the  darkness  and 
impurity  of  its  alienated  life,  it  may  become  the  liv- 
ing temple  of  thy  holy  presence,  the  seat  of  thy 


228  IMITATION  OP   CHRIST. 

eternal  glory  !  In  the  immensity  of  thy  goodness, 
O  Lord,  and  "  in  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mer- 
cies, turn  unto  me,"  and  hear  the  prayer  of  thy  poor 
servant,  who  has  wandered  far  from  thee  into  the 
region  of  the  shadow  of  death.  O  protect  and  keep 
my  soul  amidst  the  innumerable  evils  which  this 
corruptible  life  is  always  bringing  forth  j  and  by  the 
perpetual  guidance  of  thy  grace,  lead  me  in  the  nar- 
row path  of  holiness,  to  the  realms  of  everlasting 
light  and  peace.     Amen. 


Boston Stereotyped  by 

Lyman  Thurston  &  Co. 


DATE  DUE 

AWfn"T9 

fT-^ 

CAVLORD 

rMINTCDINU.S.A. 

